Topic ID 3327
Just in case anyone is not aware of the Tesco proposals to expand and are interested, Books@Hertford have a petition and also a petition is being set up with info on how to object by contacting [email protected] Also you can look through the plans on 17/18/19th at the Corn Exchange. Although i am not one of them the residents living in the surrounding roads need support from all of us in Hertford and have set up the above e-mail. They are also looking for someone to help them set up a website to raise awarness. If anyone can help with this again use contact above. Thanks
Reply ID 47860
Exhibition at The Corn Exchange? They've kept that quiet haven't they! I remember reading in The Mercury that there was going to be one at some stage, but I've not sen any formal publicity.
Reply ID 47861
Yes - apparently there is a small sign up in Tesco! A booklet has been put together by the residents of Railway Street explaining all. If i can find out times then will post them on here tomorrow.
Reply ID 47864
I think that it would be far better if Tesco was kept at its present size. That way we can keep on having grid lock at the roundabout, and going in there to find out that they have run out of what you wanted!
Reply ID 47865
I cannot believe that the idea is even being mooted as it's stupid at best. Why does a town the size of Hertford need a tesco's the size of the brookfield farm site and possibly a sainsburys the size of the current tescos!?? (If not bigger) It's utter madness and cannot be allowed to happen at all. We simply don't need it in Hertford. The current Tescos is big enough, if you can't find what you are looking for there you could always go to Waitrose or M&S or if you don't want to shop at either of those, jump in the car for 10mins to either the Tescos at the Hatfield roundabout or Brookfield farm. I'm happy to sign any petition against the proposed new Tesco's as I firmly believe it's a stupid idea with no bearing on the town whatsoever.
Reply ID 47866
quote:But is it really? What about those without cars? Are you really suggesting they travel back on the train from Stevenage or Enfield? Not everyone has a car
Originally posted by Bubbaoshea
I cannot believe that the idea is even being mooted as it's stupid at best. Why does a town the size of Hertford need a tesco's the size of the brookfield farm site and possibly a sainsburys the size of the current tescos!?? (If not bigger) It's utter madness and cannot be allowed to happen at all. We simply don't need it in Hertford. The current Tescos is big enough, if you can't find what you are looking for there you could always go to Waitrose or M&S or if you don't want to shop at either of those, jump in the car for 10mins to either the Tescos at the Hatfield roundabout or Brookfield farm. I'm happy to sign any petition against the proposed new Tesco's as I firmly believe it's a stupid idea with no bearing on the town whatsoever.
Reply ID 47867
quote:The size of the proposed new Hertford Tesco will be half the size of the Tesco at Brookfield
Originally posted by Bubbaoshea
I cannot believe that the idea is even being mooted as it's stupid at best. Why does a town the size of Hertford need a tesco's the size of the brookfield farm site and possibly a sainsburys the size of the current tescos!?? (If not bigger) It's utter madness and cannot be allowed to happen at all.
Reply ID 47868
the reason tesco want to build a bigger shop is that the current one is "overtrading" ie, it is turning over more than 75% more than it was designed for. Oh and the Roundabout argument?
Reply ID 47871
quote:Nor would they need one if it were not for Tesco type of shopping. Let them have their store, but refuse permission for a car park. I wonder if they would still want it.[}:)] As for the protest;- It's futile unless it includes not shopping at Tesco. It's the only thing likely to work and to protest and simultaneously prove need by buying groceries there, is hypocritical and self-defeating.
But is it really? What about those without cars? Are you really suggesting they travel back on the train from Stevenage or Enfield? Not everyone has a car
Reply ID 47877
The times at the Corn Exchange are: 17th 14:00 - 19:00 18th 12:00 - 17:00 19th 10:00 - 14:00
Reply ID 47881
Shunt, Can you explain "tesco type shopping" for me...do you mean "going to one shop and getting what you need"?
Reply ID 47883
I don't think we would have seen this submission from Tesco had Sainsbury not been about to submit their own plans.
Reply ID 47885
I agree Ewoowar. If Tescos makes its store twice the size and with twice as many product lines it will ensure its the towns top supermarket destination over new arrival Sainsburys...
Reply ID 47886
quote:To a certain extent, yes. Supermarket shopping particularly favours a trip in a car, away from other daily functions. It is possible to have general stores, placed in the community, which can be used on foot and in passing, or in conjuction with another journey, but the trend has been to separate shopping as a specific trip, requiring the use of an extra car journey. The response of councils differs depending on political focus, with some actively discouraging excessive car use through planning restrictions. Tesco's response in these areas has been "Tesco Metro". It is possible to lead commerce, rather than allowing them to lead us, whilst still allowing them to be successful and profitable.
Originally posted by Mad Mick
Shunt, Can you explain "tesco type shopping" for me...do you mean "going to one shop and getting what you need"?
Reply ID 47890
Just interested in what people are buying that you can't already find in Hertford. Certainly i have never had any need to shop elsewhere. I agree it would be really interesting if one day was chosen and nobody shopped in Tesco in protest. I like Tesco in Hertford i think its a good size and the staff are always helpful and friendly and seem happy. Chatting to the girl on checkout yesterday she thought her work happiness would alter if Tesco was bigger and loose the 'family feel' it has. I agree.
Reply ID 47892
quote:One day wouldn't do it. Anyway, if people want to shop at Tesco, why not, as long as they don't simultaniously complain about Tesco's development and expect Tesco to take any notice. They are big enough and have enough of a monopoly to be only mildly inconvenienced by protest and will side-step any objection with ease. To a company even a tenth of the size of Tesco, there are many entirely legal forms of the "brown envelope" and incentives available to them. I don't shop there, but not out of protest. I broke the Tesco habit and find the shopping experience easier, faster, better quality and cheaper, much to my surprise. What Tesco really fears is others discovering alternatives to the Tesco experience and liking it. That's why we have this expansion plan on the table now. An over-trading store is much more profitable than a developing one, but also more vulnerable to competition.
Originally posted by Tiny
Just interested in what people are buying that you can't already find in Hertford. Certainly i have never had any need to shop elsewhere. I agree it would be really interesting if one day was chosen and nobody shopped in Tesco in protest. I like Tesco in Hertford i think its a good size and the staff are always helpful and friendly and seem happy. Chatting to the girl on checkout yesterday she thought her work happiness would alter if Tesco was bigger and loose the 'family feel' it has. I agree.
Reply ID 47898
quote:Yes Quite right - don't shop in Hertford, the stores are all small - jump in your cars and go to one of the nearby clone towns instead.[;)]
Originally posted by Bubbaoshea
jump in the car for 10mins to either the Tescos at the Hatfield roundabout or Brookfield farm.
Reply ID 47899
quote:It's easy to make fun of remarks when you remove their context [;)]
Originally posted by jez_pquote:Yes Quite right - don't shop in Hertford, the stores are all small - jump in your cars and go to one of the nearby clone towns instead.[;)]
Originally posted by Bubbaoshea
jump in the car for 10mins to either the Tescos at the Hatfield roundabout or Brookfield farm.
Reply ID 47902
Personally I prefer Sainsbury's to Tescos but that doesn't stop me shopping in Tesco's at all. I feel Tesco's Hertford is of a decent size and doesn't really need changing. Does Hertford really need a larger Tescos, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, M&S and a Co-op? That's a bit excessive! I've changed my habits recently and now I generally try to shop in town. I get some bits from Waitrose, some from Farrow & Farrow and a few bits from the Co-op in Bengeo on my way home. I've been using the farm along the A10 (near Standon - I think) for veggies but they are pretty expensive. Does anyone else use that place? (can't think of the name)
Reply ID 47911
Just been to the exhibition. I liked the bit on the display where it said "Our desire to expand our range has been driven in part by comments made by customers within the local community both when visiting the store and on several local website forums" So it's OUR fault! [:D]
Reply ID 47913
Can I just be pedantic for a moment. The company is called Tesco. Not Tescos or Tesco's. Just Tesco.
Reply ID 47914
quote:Pearces is the name. More expensive than some, granted, but their spuds last for 2 weeks rather than 2 days! We kept our Christmas veg (from Pearces) in the shed over the festive season. Discovered a red pepper in there today that had been forgotten about - its still firm and useable [:)]
Originally posted by Bubbaoshea I've been using the farm along the A10 (near Standon - I think) for veggies but they are pretty expensive. Does anyone else use that place? (can't think of the name)
Reply ID 47923
nice leo fresh produce is best? why not use places like pearces more?
Reply ID 47933
I hope the protests against Tesco's come to nothing, as I'm all for it. As I've said before on this forum, all those moaning about the traffic snarl-ups - let your kids walk to school instead of picking them up and YOU WONT CAUSE THE SNARL-UP. Understandable that local residents dont want the extra HGV traffic, but I bet the majority of you moved there since Tesco opened. There is also a chance of any business wishing to expand, so you face that risk when choosing your property. Bring it on I say. Fed up of increasing my carbon footprint having to drive to Hatfield or Brook Farm to do my shopping as the Hertford Tesco constantly runs out of stock.
Reply ID 47935
quote:What on earth do you absolutely need that is so unavailable locally? If you do really drive to Hatfield or Brookfield Farm for it, you are as much a part of the "snarl up" as the school runners.
Originally posted by thefair1973
I hope the protests against Tesco's come to nothing, as I'm all for it. As I've said before on this forum, all those moaning about the traffic snarl-ups - let your kids walk to school instead of picking them up and YOU WONT CAUSE THE SNARL-UP. Understandable that local residents dont want the extra HGV traffic, but I bet the majority of you moved there since Tesco opened. There is also a chance of any business wishing to expand, so you face that risk when choosing your property. Bring it on I say. Fed up of increasing my carbon footprint having to drive to Hatfield or Brook Farm to do my shopping as the Hertford Tesco constantly runs out of stock.
Reply ID 47942
Regardless of the fact that it's Tesco, the plans represent massive overdevelopment of the site in my opinion.
Reply ID 47943
quote:Driving to Hatfield or Brookfield Farm does not come into the same league as school runners. You are not clogging up local roads for a start. The Hertford Tesco does need a shake up. It is possibly the worst Tesco store I have ever been to. As for "what on earth do you absolutely need" is concerned, what I absolutely need is not usually available at Hertford Tesco. If your tastes extend to steak and chips you're probably completely happy.........if however you like to extend your eating experiences (probably encouraged by supermarket ads) then you will look for a wider range of products than Tesco Hertford usually stock.
Originally posted by shuntquote:What on earth do you absolutely need that is so unavailable locally? If you do really drive to Hatfield or Brookfield Farm for it, you are as much a part of the "snarl up" as the school runners.
Originally posted by thefair1973
I hope the protests against Tesco's come to nothing, as I'm all for it. As I've said before on this forum, all those moaning about the traffic snarl-ups - let your kids walk to school instead of picking them up and YOU WONT CAUSE THE SNARL-UP. Understandable that local residents dont want the extra HGV traffic, but I bet the majority of you moved there since Tesco opened. There is also a chance of any business wishing to expand, so you face that risk when choosing your property. Bring it on I say. Fed up of increasing my carbon footprint having to drive to Hatfield or Brook Farm to do my shopping as the Hertford Tesco constantly runs out of stock.
Reply ID 47945
quote:That's very similar to our new buying habits. We now look for more local, fresh, organic and seasonal produce, usually from the smaller suppliers. We use all those places and have all but cut out Tesco. Much of our thinking in changing our buying habits was to eat better food, support local business and to improve our shopping experience. Tesco was just not much fun anymore. We're also trying to make a conscious effort to be greener and a recent survey ranked the supermarkets in the following order, starting with the greenest first: 1. M & S 2. Waitrose 3. Sainsbury's 4. Co-op & Asda 5. Tesco 6. Morrisons This included so many factors, from packaging, to product sourcing to organic food, to energy use, that the conclusions can always be argued. However, I'm comfortable with knowing that I can walk to M&S, Waitrose and Co-op to do much of my shopping and that Hertford can supply just about all that I need already without having to get in the car. I cannot see the need for expansion of the current Tesco store and the wind turbine sounds like a sop to fulfill their obligations to renewable energy.
Originally posted by Bubbaoshea
Personally I prefer Sainsbury's to Tescos but that doesn't stop me shopping in Tesco's at all. I feel Tesco's Hertford is of a decent size and doesn't really need changing. Does Hertford really need a larger Tescos, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, M&S and a Co-op? That's a bit excessive! I've changed my habits recently and now I generally try to shop in town. I get some bits from Waitrose, some from Farrow & Farrow and a few bits from the Co-op in Bengeo on my way home. I've been using the farm along the A10 (near Standon - I think) for veggies but they are pretty expensive. Does anyone else use that place? (can't think of the name)
Reply ID 47947
A wind turbine is pointless for sure. That's just to please certain people I would have thought. Personally I prefer buying fresh product, Tesco generally doesn't offer good fresh produce. I like my trip to Pearces (thanks for the name) on a saturday I have to say. Has anyone tried the frozen ready meals before?? They are quality - I think they are from the same company in Windsor called Cook. Always handy if you're have a dinner party and left it late to prepare anything... I'm all for supporting local outlets rather than continually lining the pockets of the large organisations.
Reply ID 47948
quote:Not at all. The first and last part of the journey is on local roads. At that point you are exactly on a par with the school run. Then it's compounded by the rest of the journey. I am aware that large stores with bulk sales can afford to add exotic goods to their ranges and that Tesco does this fairly well, but the alternative is not "steak and chips", but to cook. For example, if you want a ready made jumbalya or curry in a box, Tesco is the only option. If you make it, the base ingredients can be bought almost anywhere and usually in a better quality, cheaper, more ethically traceable form. There are a few things unique to Tesco and because of that I do make the occasional visit when passing. Their gluten-free bread for celiacs for instance is something not widely available elsewhere. However, if getting that one item involved the car journey described, I wouldn't bother, particularly as I have found the entire stock of that item is just as likely to be out of date and mouldy in all their stores and it's occasional availability doesn't compensate for flourescent pink meat of unknown origin and overpriced vegetables, all of suspiciously identical size, flown from across the globe. However, Tesco quality or price is not the issue. Tesco's tactic is to displace competition rather than risk comparison. Hence it cannot leave a store over-trading with rivals looming on the horizon. It's had a good run since the others shut up shop an fled Hertford (it was considered a behemoth of a store when it opened), being able to cream off the huge profit of an over-trading store and poor service without challenge. Now they'll pour any amount of money in to ensure Hertford never gets to experience choice again.
Driving to Hatfield or Brookfield Farm does not come into the same league as school runners. You are not clogging up local roads for a start. The Hertford Tesco does need a shake up. It is possibly the worst Tesco store I have ever been to. As for "what on earth do you absolutely need" is concerned, what I absolutely need is not usually available at Hertford Tesco. If your tastes extend to steak and chips you're probably completely happy.........if however you like to extend your eating experiences (probably encouraged by supermarket ads) then you will look for a wider range of products than Tesco Hertford usually stock.
Reply ID 47953
With the recent traffic problems due to South Street closing tbe prospect of more disruption due to any devlopment work is not good for local residents or those working down Mead Lane
Reply ID 47955
quote:Interesting thought. Why not spend less, save on your carbon footprint and keep the roads a bit clearer by getting the store to deliver. Tesco do this - despite their INFURIATING website. Your carbon footprint will be a fraction of your in-person trip as you're sharing it with other people, no impulse buys (but not many BOGOF's either) and you get to spend more time doing what you really want to do... I started last year (not Tosco) and can't believe how much of a releif it was to not have to deal with other shoppers at the same time![:D]
Originally posted by thefair1973
...Fed up of increasing my carbon footprint having to drive to Hatfield or Brook Farm to do my shopping as the Hertford Tesco constantly runs out of stock.
Reply ID 47958
The only reason Tesco has submitted the application is because of Sainsbury. They are trying to influence the planning authorities and to impact the Sainsbury development. If the planning department consider the Sainsbury proposal as positive because it adds retail capcity to the town then Tesco are saying they can fulfil that requirement so why do you need a Sainsbury. They're also saying if you grant planning permission to Sainsbury then you should also grant it to us.
Reply ID 47961
quote:Tesco have not submitted a planning application. And retail capacity is not a matter for the planning authorities - it's not part of their remit.
Originally posted by Ewoowar
The only reason Tesco has submitted the application is because of Sainsbury. They are trying to influence the planning authorities and to impact the Sainsbury development. If the planning department consider the Sainsbury proposal as positive because it adds retail capcity to the town then Tesco are saying they can fulfil that requirement so why do you need a Sainsbury.
quote:They are two different proposals and would be judged accordingly based on their individual merits (or otherwise!). Just because you grant one doesn't mean you have to grant the other.
Originally posted by Ewoowar
They're also saying if you grant planning permission to Sainsbury then you should also grant it to us.
Reply ID 47962
quote:In 2004 East Herts Council produced a report titled "The Retail and Town Centres Study 2004". The Final Report and Executive Summary were endorsed by Council on the 29 September 2004 as a technical study for the purpose of informing the Local Plan Second Review process and future decisions concerning retailing and town centres in the District. One of the key aims of the report was "To identify the need and capacity for future development in a sustainable manner" Capacity and need are clearly part of their remit. It doesn't take much research to find planning research and studies littered with references to capacity. With regards to your comment about the Sainsbury and Tesco proposals being different and judged accordingly based on their individual merits, that may be how the process is meant to work but in reality the authorities will consider and compare them even if they will not admit to such.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Tesco have not submitted a planning application. And retail capacity is not a matter for the planning authorities - it's not part of their remit.
Originally posted by Ewoowar
The only reason Tesco has submitted the application is because of Sainsbury. They are trying to influence the planning authorities and to impact the Sainsbury development. If the planning department consider the Sainsbury proposal as positive because it adds retail capcity to the town then Tesco are saying they can fulfil that requirement so why do you need a Sainsbury.quote:They are two different proposals and would be judged accordingly based on their individual merits (or otherwise!). Just because you grant one doesn't mean you have to grant the other.
Originally posted by Ewoowar
They're also saying if you grant planning permission to Sainsbury then you should also grant it to us.
Reply ID 47963
I have just got back from the exhibition and have to say that I was distinctly underwhelmed by it all. The person I spoke to made it sound a bit like a 'work in progress', not very well thought out and with some bits missing. Outside, someone was handing out leaflets on behalf of 'Hertford Residents Against Expansion'. These give well researched and reasoned arguments against the expansion. I recommend you take time to go down to the Corn Exchange and get all the facts available, from both sides.
Reply ID 47965
So, is the exhibition at the Corn Exchange a PR exercise to try to win people over to what they've already decided to do then? Aside from the fact that I think it's a horrendous idea in general to have a ginormous Tesco in Hertford, I simply cannot understand where all the extra traffic is going to go. The new flats by Hertford East station have already added to the traffic issues, plus now there are more flats at The Dolphin and more in development where the Mazda dealership was. That is a huge overdevelopment of a site where there is only one road you can use to get there.
Reply ID 47966
quote:More so that they can claim to have consulted local people. It's a bit like the board in the store announcing policy changes. There's always a claim that each decision was driven by popular demand.
Originally posted by Jo S
So, is the exhibition at the Corn Exchange a PR exercise to try to win people over to what they've already decided to do then?
Reply ID 47967
As shunt says, I believe this is just an exercise so that they can tick the boxes. There was nobody senior from Tesco there, that I could tell. I would like to see evidence that we, the Hertford consumers, do want additional product lines in this store. I would like to know what we cannot get in Hertford that Tesco will supply in the bigger store. There is no real evidence available, no facts, no figures to back up the claims and no proper reasons for the expansion.
Reply ID 47968
quote:Is that the board by the fag kiosk in Tesco (no s James) that has not been updated with new customer comments for about 18 months? Clearly demand is very popular.
Originally posted by shunt It's a bit like the board in the store announcing policy changes. There's always a claim that each decision was driven by popular demand.
Reply ID 47969
quote:I have also been to the exhibition this afternoon - and I agree with every word you say Paul. And definitely underwhelming. Tesco say the site is "over trading" - so they want to make it busier by attracting back the folk who go further afield for more choice! And they want to "reduce their carbon footprint" - shouldn't they be doing that anyway?
Originally posted by 2929paul
I have just got back from the exhibition and have to say that I was distinctly underwhelmed by it all. The person I spoke to made it sound a bit like a 'work in progress', not very well thought out and with some bits missing. Outside, someone was handing out leaflets on behalf of 'Hertford Residents Against Expansion'. These give well researched and reasoned arguments against the expansion. I recommend you take time to go down to the Corn Exchange and get all the facts available, from both sides.
Reply ID 47976
The whole thing makes me feel sick, I really think that it will change the entire character of Hertford. To have a huge, Tesco-branded carbuncle causing huge traffic problems will be horrible. It just goes to show who is really in charge of this town - Cafe Nero, Starbucks and Tesco can apparently do what the heck they like, call it 'customer demand' and then merrily go on their way. Yuck.
Reply ID 47993
Supermarkets run this country! food, electrical, petrol and clothing etc. they are like big furnaces they need feeding all the time to grow big and strong, I say NO to Tesco's and NO to Sainsbury's, keep Hertford on basis a Market town.
Reply ID 47994
My fear is that it will make Waitrose, M&S and Farrow & Farrow go out of business, and then we will be stuck with horrible Tesco food, or have to drive to WGC or similar to a quality food store. That risk, I think, will obviously be exacerbated if Sainsbury's also open. Surely there's a limit to the number of supermarkets a town the size of Hertford can support? [V]
Reply ID 47996
quote:Listening in on some of the conversations going on at the exhibition, Tesco don't seem to regard Waitrose and M&S as direct competition.
Originally posted by Jo S
My fear is that it will make Waitrose, M&S and Farrow & Farrow go out of business
Reply ID 47999
i dont think tesco is any competition to Farrow and farrow to be honest. The kind of people who shop there have already made the conscious decision to avoid tesco where they can anyway.
Reply ID 48000
Exactly, it's a the same with M&S and Waitrose. They attract a different type of shopper. In fact, if anything, Waitrose is more of a danger to Farrow and Farrow than Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda or Morrisons would ever be.
Reply ID 48001
I don't think anybody would argue that Tesco threatens M&S or Waitrose anymore. Both have retreated into a niche to stave off the Tesco effect on town centres. Tescos real competitors are long since gone from Hertford in the face of what was, in it's time, a massively over-developed retail site, albeit one that is over-trading now. A strong competitor to Tesco would benefit Hertford in two ways. Firstly by providing a choice and balancing the town, but also by diffusing arrogance and complacency from Tesco and forcing them to raise their standards.
Reply ID 48010
Well, I for one will not shop at Tesco or Sainsbury's, do not even own a 'Tesco Card' why should they have all my information for their files! I do not have any store card for that reason, and only one credit card, Cash only payment for me!
Reply ID 48012
quote:Totally agree. Tesco doesn't mind M&S and Waitrose on their doorstep. In fact, its usually a good sign of an above average local spend capacity. Tesco only really fear Sainsbury, Asda and Morrisons on their doorstep, as these have a far greater effect on trade. For really competition in the town, we have to see Sainsbury, Asda or Morrisons. Morrisons wouldn not open because they would consider it too close the the WGC store. Asda won't open unless it can get 70k square feet of trading space, so really Sainsbury is the only option left. I think Hertford needs Sainsbury, just not on the site they are suggesting!
Originally posted by shunt
I don't think anybody would argue that Tesco threatens M&S or Waitrose anymore. Both have retreated into a niche to stave off the Tesco effect on town centres. Tescos real competitors are long since gone from Hertford in the face of what was, in it's time, a massively over-developed retail site, albeit one that is over-trading now. A strong competitor to Tesco would benefit Hertford in two ways. Firstly by providing a choice and balancing the town, but also by diffusing arrogance and complacency from Tesco and forcing them to raise their standards.
Reply ID 48013
quote:I'd trust Tesco with the information more than the government!
Originally posted by furrybunny
Well, I for one will not shop at Tesco or Sainsbury's, do not even own a 'Tesco Card' why should they have all my information for their files!
Reply ID 48023
I went to the Tesco 'presentation' and the whole think just looked like a knee-jerk reaction to Sainsbury's plans. Nice glossy brochure to take away, though. Incredibly, however, within this brochure the two questions on the 'Have your say' section related only to whether one would 'like to see a new and improved Tesco store in Hertford' (somewhat loaded, I would have thought) and 'would you support the use of sustainable technologies such as rain water harvesting and/or wind turbines?' as though these were the major issues! It is time we started valueing our smaller retailers more. Both Tesco and Books@Hertford will sell you the latest Jamie Oliver book but don't expect Tesco to stock anything outside the top 20 or be able to order a book for you. Trouble is, many people don't look further than the cover price when it comes to purchase time. It would be a great shame if Tesco's/Sainsbury's expansion plans ultimately lead to a loss of choice locally.
Reply ID 48024
A pertinent & succinct – (not always a strength of this forum) first post dannual. Fully agree.
Reply ID 48026
quote:I thought they where one of the same!!!
Originally posted by Dudequote:I'd trust Tesco with the information more than the government!
Originally posted by furrybunny
Well, I for one will not shop at Tesco or Sainsbury's, do not even own a 'Tesco Card' why should they have all my information for their files!
Reply ID 48028
quote:True, but in these days of the internet, many of those things you can't buy off the shelf in Tesco or any other major supermarket, is usually catered for by internet stores, like Amazon.
Originally posted by dannul
I went to the Tesco 'presentation' and the whole think just looked like a knee-jerk reaction to Sainsbury's plans. Nice glossy brochure to take away, though. Incredibly, however, within this brochure the two questions on the 'Have your say' section related only to whether one would 'like to see a new and improved Tesco store in Hertford' (somewhat loaded, I would have thought) and 'would you support the use of sustainable technologies such as rain water harvesting and/or wind turbines?' as though these were the major issues! It is time we started valueing our smaller retailers more. Both Tesco and Books@Hertford will sell you the latest Jamie Oliver book but don't expect Tesco to stock anything outside the top 20 or be able to order a book for you. Trouble is, many people don't look further than the cover price when it comes to purchase time. It would be a great shame if Tesco's/Sainsbury's expansion plans ultimately lead to a loss of choice locally.
Reply ID 48031
Thought i would add my own views. I moved to the area after renting in central london for years. Hertford for me ticked all the boxes i could afford to buy in a town, i was close to my family and could commute to work easily. Hertford had a good selection of shops both supermarkets and local shops and a good market which made me feel as if i was part of a thriving community who cared about the residents views. Tesco per se does not bother me i find the staff helpful, cheery and i do eat outside of steak and chips and always find my ingredients there. Compared to most of the Tesco stores in London its really well stocked, clean and not an unpleasant experience. I personally think we will all miss it when our little town is blighted by a HUGE tesco on the main roundabout. I can't understand why people are not happy with what they have. Its alot better than most. Traffic has always been bad in Hertford, the trains are also bad. But thats part of the charm. The bigger Tesco will not make your lives any better in what they stock in it. All that will happen is the 'Hoddeson' effect where a thiriving town becomes known for its Supermarket and nothing else. If you drive to Hatfield more fool you, as i am pretty certain that you could find you find what you need in Hertford if you looked and as for the bread for the coeliac (have i spelt that correctly) try Natural Health on Old Cross or the new Deli in Ware....funnily enough people you can walk to Ware from Hertford in 25 mins and you can always look in the Tesco there for your missing ingrediants. This debate shouldn't be about shopping habits it should be about maintaining a good standard of life for us all. Park at Tesco and look at the houses backing onto the current carpark..i'm sure it wont be very nice for them to have a brick wall level with their bedroom window. Rant over!
Reply ID 48034
I think the whole point of this debate has been that, on the whole, we ARE happy with what we have. It's Tesco themselves who aren't happy with the potential lost profits when competition moves in. I went to the exhibition on Saturday and witnessed what looked like two Tesco Saturday boys getting quite a hard time in true civilised Hertford manner. It was quite funny to see everyone then stopping at the door on the way out to sign the petition. It would be good to see a link to the petition organisers document on here - anyone have access to it? Horrific facts -it is going to be twice as big as it is now but only half the size of the Brookfield centre (I was reassured !). Also it will be as high as the Bluecoats buildings - but not anything like as attractive
Reply ID 48036
quote:There isn't a website mentioned on the leaflet but you can sign up to jopin the action group by emailing to: hertfordresident at googlemail.com Books at Hertford will also have information as does the health food shop in Old Cross (I think).
Originally posted by newgirl
I think the whole point of this debate has been that, on the whole, we ARE happy with what we have. It's Tesco themselves who aren't happy with the potential lost profits when competition moves in. I went to the exhibition on Saturday and witnessed what looked like two Tesco Saturday boys getting quite a hard time in true civilised Hertford manner. It was quite funny to see everyone then stopping at the door on the way out to sign the petition. It would be good to see a link to the petition organisers document on here - anyone have access to it? Horrific facts -it is going to be twice as big as it is now but only half the size of the Brookfield centre (I was reassured !). Also it will be as high as the Bluecoats buildings - but not anything like as attractive
Reply ID 48044
i think to say that we are happy with what we've got is slightly twisting facts - for exaple I'm happy with what we have, but i absolutely do NOT oppose the development either. Others have said the same. Change isnt something to be scared of.
Reply ID 48045
quote:Isn't that what Hitler said? Ok, I'm being a bit facetious but my point is that change is not always good. I am not scared of change but having considered the facts and listened to the arguments, I do not want Tesco to expand this store and there are many compelling reasons why they should not.
Originally posted by codek2
i think to say that we are happy with what we've got is slightly twisting facts - for exaple I'm happy with what we have, but i absolutely do NOT oppose the development either. Others have said the same. Change isnt something to be scared of.
Reply ID 48050
quote:Fair point, Brockman. However, don't think the internet has all the answers. Despite repeated efforts to purchase a music DVD from Amazon before it was released, I repeatedly got messages from Amazon stating the product was not released/not available/deleted. Imagine my surprise when, later that week, I spied it sitting on the shelf of HMV in St Albans! At the risk of sounding uncharitable, it did make me chuckle seeing the pictures in the papers before Christmas of people queueing outside a Royal Mail sorting office (in Bristol, I think)waiting to collect their internet packages that were too big for their letter boxes! Maybe I'm a bit 'old school', but it is sometimes easier to go to a real shop (and in Hertford, I just hope this won't just mean Tesco or Sainsbury's)!
Originally posted by Brockmanquote:True, but in these days of the internet, many of those things you can't buy off the shelf in Tesco or any other major supermarket, is usually catered for by internet stores, like Amazon.
Originally posted by dannul
I went to the Tesco 'presentation' and the whole think just looked like a knee-jerk reaction to Sainsbury's plans. Nice glossy brochure to take away, though. Incredibly, however, within this brochure the two questions on the 'Have your say' section related only to whether one would 'like to see a new and improved Tesco store in Hertford' (somewhat loaded, I would have thought) and 'would you support the use of sustainable technologies such as rain water harvesting and/or wind turbines?' as though these were the major issues! It is time we started valueing our smaller retailers more. Both Tesco and Books@Hertford will sell you the latest Jamie Oliver book but don't expect Tesco to stock anything outside the top 20 or be able to order a book for you. Trouble is, many people don't look further than the cover price when it comes to purchase time. It would be a great shame if Tesco's/Sainsbury's expansion plans ultimately lead to a loss of choice locally.
Reply ID 48052
quote:A bit? oh my god, what a stupid irrelevant comparison to make, adding no value. Perhaps i should also have said that i dont explicitly support the expansion either. In fact, although I live in hertford, i'm not near the site and therefore my opinion has less weight. Same is true of most of the people on here. I believe it's the people near by who should have the most say, those that may or may not actually be affected. BUT they have to have a reasonable argument against the expansion, not just the same old junk which has appeared on here so far.
Isn't that what Hitler said?
Reply ID 48055
I disagree. An expansion by a company of the size of Tesco affects more than just those living in the immediate area and is more than just a bricks and mortar issue. If one company grows to engulf all the available trade, it effects far more than shopping. Tesco has grown to a size where it influences almost every area of political policy, from road building, to global warming and farming practices. It has achieved this by swamping competition in small towns just like Hertford.
Reply ID 48056
quote:So overdevelopment and highway concerns are not reasonable arguments, just junk?
Originally posted by codek2
BUT they have to have a reasonable argument against the expansion, not just the same old junk which has appeared on here so far.
Reply ID 48057
Not to mention the effect of having this huge monolith built at the bottom of your garden. But hey, if it's not your garden and you don't live near it - your argument is junk.
Reply ID 48059
Yes, the highway problems are not caused exclusively by Tesco, and it's not tesco's responsibility. And i'm afraid in our society companies have the right to expand. I dont buy that an expanded tesco is overdevelopment. each to their own. newgirl - you've hit the nail on the head. if thats what is actually is planned to happen then those people living there need to fight their case. It's wrong for other people to fight it for them. Some people will fight it just for the sake of it, and because this is Tescos thats whats happening here. It does sound like a kneejerk to sainsburys though. I admit that.
Reply ID 48062
If my local store closes because another company deliberately overinvested to create that effect, if parts of my town become impassable because all the trade is concentrated in one place, if the only place I can buy, is one that produces substandard or un-ethically produced products, if I and others can only get to it by car and they all drive past me on the way........that effects me. I don't have to live on the doorstep. I'd like to see Tesco competing, not using it's established financial might to avoid competing or having to be customer responsive.
Reply ID 48063
Looks to me like there's a very fine line between competing and using it's might, i guess the point is people view that line differently. However until there's some proof, i.e. a genuine study that the town would become impassable then that argument can't be used. So a study should be done. Also; If they're refused, wouldnt they look for an alternate site? would you rather they built the same thing, on the edge of hertford instead? It's not an impossibility is it..
Reply ID 48071
quote:Refused? They won't be. IF they are they'll threaten to pull out of Hertford, upping the unemployment figures for the town - like they did to get permission to build Brookfield Farm. I beleive the orginal planning bid for Brookfield farm was made by Asda... Build on the edge of Hertford? This will open up avenues for a retail park. The positive is that the larger retail stores will be able to find premises to open in Hertford, the BIG downside is that custom will also migrate there. Better a supermarket in the centre of town where people can also nip into the town centre and visit the smaller shops, than an out of town, car-compulsory retail area where people are less likely to pop into the town centre as it's another drive away.
Originally posted by codek2
Also; If they're refused, wouldnt they look for an alternate site? would you rather they built the same thing, on the edge of hertford instead? It's not an impossibility is it..
Reply ID 48072
quote:Unless I'm mistaken, highways IS a planning consideration that the local authority takes into account when judging the merits of any application. Maybe someone with more knowledge can confirm that or put me right. [:)]
Originally posted by codek2
Yes, the highway problems are not caused exclusively by Tesco, and it's not tesco's responsibility.
quote:You say "An" expanded Tesco. This discussion is about the specific plans that have been exhibited, which in my opinion is overdevelopment. That is not to say that ALL plans for an expanded Tesco would be overdevelopment. I don't necessarily have a problem with a larger store, just the plans that Tesco are currently touting.
Originally posted by codek2
I dont buy that an expanded tesco is overdevelopment. each to their own.
Reply ID 48073
quote:They're going to build a temporary replacement store at another location anyway to serve the town whilst the current site is redeveloped. That will no doubt require planning permission as well. And then, who's to say that having built it, they'll close it down again when the new expanded store opens.
Originally posted by Mr P
Build on the edge of Hertford? This will open up avenues for a retail park. The positive is that the larger retail stores will be able to find premises to open in Hertford, the BIG downside is that custom will also migrate there.
Reply ID 48084
You're right, Steve. Highways is a planning consideration, as is pollution, linked directly to increased traffic levels. And Tesco must be hoping for substantially increased traffic levels because they are proud to tell us in their brochure that there will be 469 parking spaces instead of the existing 283, serving a store of 48,826 sq ft (increased from 23,936 sq ft).
Reply ID 48090
Fyi. I do live near Tesco and i also believe that residents on surrounding streets are doing all they can. The point of this thread on the forum was to raise awareness and help those living nearby by offering support.
Reply ID 48097
I would just like to point out if this building of a new Tesco's goes ahead, please spare a thought for my dear freinds who live in Bluecoats one is 82 and cannot get out, disabled, she is so worried about the noise and general dust and the outlook, she lives right opposite the site. She's fretting about it already and Tesco's have only suggested planning. I firmly put that the rejection of this most stupid outrageous proposal squarely on the EHDC Planning they should also refuse the Sainsbury's plan, this would not enhance Hertford having two carbuncles on such an attractive town.
Reply ID 48105
quote:No, but I bet you it will keep a lot more money in the town, with people not having to go to Hatfield, Harlow, Stevenage or Enfield. And before you try to object to that, I would bet a substantial amount that 70-80% of people in Hertford either do most of their food shop at Tesco, or travel out of town to do so... I bet it is the same with the majority of non-food stuff... You might be a vocal minority but I doubt you represent the silent majority.
Originally posted by furrybunny
I would just like to point out if this building of a new Tesco's goes ahead, please spare a thought for my dear freinds who live in Bluecoats one is 82 and cannot get out, disabled, she is so worried about the noise and general dust and the outlook, she lives right opposite the site. She's fretting about it already and Tesco's have only suggested planning. I firmly put that the rejection of this most stupid outrageous proposal squarely on the EHDC Planning they should also refuse the Sainsbury's plan, this would not enhance Hertford having two carbuncles on such an attractive town.
Reply ID 48106
quote:How on earth can an enlarged Tesco keep more money in town? Tesco is a multinational company and by increasing its trade in Hertford may benefit the shareholders of the company but it will do nothing to keep money in town. The best way to do that is use local, independent traders.
Originally posted by Brockmanquote:No, but I bet you it will keep a lot more money in the town, with people not having to go to Hatfield, Harlow, Stevenage or Enfield. And before you try to object to that, I would bet a substantial amount that 70-80% of people in Hertford either do most of their food shop at Tesco, or travel out of town to do so... I bet it is the same with the majority of non-food stuff... You might be a vocal minority but I doubt you represent the silent majority.
Originally posted by furrybunny
I would just like to point out if this building of a new Tesco's goes ahead, please spare a thought for my dear freinds who live in Bluecoats one is 82 and cannot get out, disabled, she is so worried about the noise and general dust and the outlook, she lives right opposite the site. She's fretting about it already and Tesco's have only suggested planning. I firmly put that the rejection of this most stupid outrageous proposal squarely on the EHDC Planning they should also refuse the Sainsbury's plan, this would not enhance Hertford having two carbuncles on such an attractive town.
Reply ID 48113
quote:Whilst one can have sympathy with the elderly, age cannot be used as a protest against building plans. The age argument is viewed (and dismissed) as nimby-ism or simply the dislike of change. For the record, I have nothing against either the Sainsbury or Tesco plans.
Originally posted by furrybunny
I would just like to point out if this building of a new Tesco's goes ahead, please spare a thought for my dear freinds who live in Bluecoats one is 82 and cannot get out, disabled, she is so worried about the noise and general dust and the outlook, she lives right opposite the site. She's fretting about it already and Tesco's have only suggested planning. I firmly put that the rejection of this most stupid outrageous proposal squarely on the EHDC Planning they should also refuse the Sainsbury's plan, this would not enhance Hertford having two carbuncles on such an attractive town.
Reply ID 48118
This is not about a dislike of change, or being unable to accept change. This is about large corporations riding roughshod over the residents of, in this case, Hertford, in order to get whatever they want. The likes of Tesco or Sainsbury's, or anyone else out to make huge sums of money for that matter, do not care how it will impact on the lives of the residents, for good or bad. They just want to maximise their profits. In fact, perhaps it is about a dislike of change. Change must be considered and worthwhile. If not, we turn into clone towns, with shopping malls and precincts, and before you know it, the next step will be the development of 10,000 new homes in the attractive new 'Hertford South' suburb, on the hills overlooking Hertford 'old town'. Simply because we just accept that what 'they' tell us is 'right' and that change is 'good'. I still cannot see anything good that an expanded Tesco store on that site will be bringing to Hertford.
Reply ID 48125
quote:Steady on! Plans for a bigger Tesco and "Hertford South overlooking Hertford Old Town" are not in the same league. You need to gain some perspective.
Originally posted by 2929paul
This is not about a dislike of change, or being unable to accept change. This is about large corporations riding roughshod over the residents of, in this case, Hertford, in order to get whatever they want. The likes of Tesco or Sainsbury's, or anyone else out to make huge sums of money for that matter, do not care how it will impact on the lives of the residents, for good or bad. They just want to maximise their profits. In fact, perhaps it is about a dislike of change. Change must be considered and worthwhile. If not, we turn into clone towns, with shopping malls and precincts, and before you know it, the next step will be the development of 10,000 new homes in the attractive new 'Hertford South' suburb, on the hills overlooking Hertford 'old town'. Simply because we just accept that what 'they' tell us is 'right' and that change is 'good'. I still cannot see anything good that an expanded Tesco store on that site will be bringing to Hertford.
Reply ID 48132
I think it is about perspective. I think part of the argument should be about Hertford being a historic market town. If you want to live in an area with a large amount of 'chain' stores then please do so. Most people stay in Hertford or move to Hertford as its different to that. If i did i'd live in Harlow and have a far faster commute to work.
Reply ID 48136
A bigger Tesco with the plans for a cafe and flats would look out of place. It would also put pressure on local shops. Hertford has already lost Claydons. Sadly Tesco will keep appealing any decision against them until they get their way. The local traffic would increase making it harder for residents and those who work down Mead Lane.
Reply ID 48137
it may be my memory being wrong, but wasnt the loss of claydons about arguments over the lease, and therefore not at all related to lack of trade/profit as could be caused by tesco?
Reply ID 48139
quote:Your luck's in Harry because Claydons still come to town but visit on market days in a trailer outside the White Hart.
Originally posted by Harry Palmer
A bigger Tesco with the plans for a cafe and flats would look out of place. It would also put pressure on local shops. Hertford has already lost Claydons. Sadly Tesco will keep appealing any decision against them until they get their way. The local traffic would increase making it harder for residents and those who work down Mead Lane.
Reply ID 48141
Before Tesco opened,the traffic used to queue up down Mead Lane,as you could only turn left or right at Hertford East.I remember that the traffic flowed better once Tesco openned.After a few alterations to local roads and a natural increase of traffic,the traffic has become an issue again.Maybe the plans that Tesco have for the Hertford store will again alleviate the problems.Until they come up with a planning application I think everyone should be more open-minded
Reply ID 48142
quote:I would hope that most people here have seen the artist's impression and are basing their opinions on it. [img]../images/forum/tesco_new1.jpg[/img] [img]../images/forum/tesco_new2.jpg[/img]
Originally posted by dutch knight
Until they come up with a planning application I think everyone should be more open-minded
Reply ID 48144
Being an ex employee, and having been heavily involved in some of the planning policies in the past, I would be shocked if this "proposal" was nothing more than a spoiler plan to limit any Sainsbury development. It works like this. Tesco will already have run several impact models based on a sainsbury opening in the town. They would rather not have competition, but they accept its part and parcel with the industry. If Sainsbury open a smaller store than Tesco, Tesco will combat it with vouchers, promotions and range changes, plus a minor to major interior refit, depending on the age and trade of the store. But if Sainsbury got a bigger store than Tesco, then that could really hurt them. People are drawn to the biggest store in town in many cases. So what they are likely to be doing is proposing plans to over develop, to send a message to the council planners that "if you let Sainsbury over develop, then we'll we'll be pushing for equal treatment". These tactics sometimes help limit the size of the new store. The drawings are very amateurish so no one has spent a great deal of time on this. Besides, where is the loading bay? If they are going for a 50K square foot store, it would need a significant loading area, plus space for seasonal refigeration. The best thing for Hertford will be the introduction of a medium sized Sainsbury, which average about 24K square feet. This will give the residents choices, and the Tesco in hertford will get a refit at the same time.
Reply ID 48145
It looks rather smart to me. But just a couple of thoughts. The residential properties would have to be sold leasehold - I wonder if it would be a 99 years lease. Would this tie in the tesco property to never again being re-built?
Reply ID 48157
Thanks for the artist's impression Steve. Some of us feared an increase in traffic, but according to this we've nothing to worry about. I think that's my car approaching Ware Road.
Reply ID 48161
Dude, that's just what I am thinking. Dreamer, most modern leases are considerably longer than 99years, some are 999years.
Reply ID 48190
Looking at the artist's impression, it looks as though the loading bay would open out onto Ware Road via the six (or five depending on which picture you're looking at) large two-storey doors - or could these be oversized garages for the little row of houses on the roof above? Also, where's the roundabout at the Gascoyne way / London Road junction? I know it's not part of the development but considering the traffic-flow issues in the immediate area, it should still be shown.
Reply ID 48194
quote:The viewpoint is from above the roundabout
Originally posted by lemonjelly Also, where's the roundabout at the Gascoyne way / London Road junction?
quote:I think that's a wall, judging by the trees and greenery behind! As Dude has pointed out, the drawings are very amateurish, child-like even, and certainly weren't produced by an architect. His explanation sounds very plausible. The whole exercise comes across as posturing.
Originally posted by lemonjelly
Looking at the artist's impression, it looks as though the loading bay would open out onto Ware Road via the six (or five depending on which picture you're looking at) large two-storey doors
Reply ID 48195
Service access is planned to be opposite the station, via Railway Street, loading into the rear of the new store which will be on the car park currently adjacent to Villiers Street's properties. The new access to the store by car will be moved further towards the station and the new entrance to the store for the public will be via an entrance facing Mill Road rather than an entrance facing Ware Road. The footprint of the site covers the whole of the existing site plus the car park, other than an area for the lorries to unload and a small strip of 'green' between the store and the Villiers Street gardens, which will apparently maintain their requirement to have open space on the site.
Reply ID 48204
quote:Exactly - go in hard for a totally unnacceptable proposal to have it knocked back. 'Begrudgingly' re-submit with something smaller which might be accepted and it can then be sold as a partial win for the protesters and how Tesco listen to peoples views. I'm sure I read somewhere that the proposed revamped store was 40m high - thats around the same as the new Heathrow T5 I believe [:(!]
Originally posted by Steve As Dude has pointed out, the drawings are very amateurish, child-like even, and certainly weren't produced by an architect. His explanation sounds very plausible. The whole exercise comes across as posturing.
Reply ID 48219
Does anyone think it is worth going to tonight's 'Community Voice' meeting held by East Herts (see front page of this website) to, er, voice concerns about Tesco's redevelopment?
Reply ID 48221
quote:Somehow I doubt that. When I was in there at lunchtime there were two builder/surveyor types from the construction company that look like they are handling the build. They were already discussing what part is being knocked down first... The toilets from the sounds of things.
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:Exactly - go in hard for a totally unnacceptable proposal to have it knocked back. 'Begrudgingly' re-submit with something smaller which might be accepted and it can then be sold as a partial win for the protesters and how Tesco listen to peoples views. I'm sure I read somewhere that the proposed revamped store was 40m high - thats around the same as the new Heathrow T5 I believe [:(!]
Originally posted by Steve As Dude has pointed out, the drawings are very amateurish, child-like even, and certainly weren't produced by an architect. His explanation sounds very plausible. The whole exercise comes across as posturing.
Reply ID 48223
quote:I doubt they'd appoint a building contractor before they'd even submitted a planning application. With all due respect I think what you saw may not have been connected with this plan. And besides, they've got to get the new temporary store built before they start knocking the existing one down. And before they do that, they've got to find a site for the new temporary store AND get planning permission for it.
Originally posted by Brockman Somehow I doubt that. When I was in there at lunchtime there were two builder/surveyor types from the construction company that look like they are handling the build. They were already discussing what part is being knocked down first... The toilets from the sounds of things.
Reply ID 48265
quote:Quite right Steve... I mistook Old London Road for London Road.
Originally posted by Stevequote:The viewpoint is from above the roundabout
Originally posted by lemonjelly Also, where's the roundabout at the Gascoyne way / London Road junction?
Reply ID 48294
Popped into Tesco at about 1pm and the first thing I saw was a large sign informing customers that the selection of frozen food would be considerably reduced as from Sunday. Walking around the store there seemed to be a distinct absence of large amounts of foodstuffs from empty shelves with signs informing us that the produce had been moved elsewhere. I used to buy Tesco's own wholemeal sliced bread (thick) Couldn't find it and was told they weren't doing it anymore. Was also told that the store was undergoing a refit as from next week. Now, call me cynical if you must, but could this be a ploy for Tesco to say that due to the small nature of the store they are unable to stock goods that customers are asking for, which must mean they need a larger store? This would of course, conveniently avoid the fact that they used to stock them and that's why customers are asking for them.
Reply ID 48298
My gawd - 7 pages and no planning application submitted. Why is everyone getting so stressed over this?
Reply ID 48301
quote:Because by the time they've paid for proper drawings and made a formal application, it's too late.
Originally posted by James007
My gawd - 7 pages and no planning application submitted. Why is everyone getting so stressed over this?
Reply ID 48312
From my brief visit to the store this morning, apparently the reduction in frozen items etc. is only whilst they're renovating their frozen foods aisle etc. Hopefully this will be all that does end up happening in the long run rather than the monstrosity they're looking to foist on Hertford...
Reply ID 48660
quote:The proposed Sainsburys is 33,000sq.ft, which is considerably larger than the existing Tesco.
Originally posted by Dude
...If Sainsbury open a smaller store than Tesco, Tesco will combat it with vouchers, promotions and range changes, plus a minor to major interior refit, depending on the age and trade of the store. But if Sainsbury got a bigger store than Tesco, then that could really hurt them. People are drawn to the biggest store in town in many cases. ... The best thing for Hertford will be the introduction of a medium sized Sainsbury, which average about 24K square feet. This will give the residents choices, and the Tesco in hertford will get a refit at the same time.
Reply ID 48810
Just added [url="http://www.hertford.net/issues/supermarkets.asp"]Supermarket Expansion[/url] to the Local Issues section
Reply ID 48837
quote:I buy a lot of veggie stuff of which there was very little and was assured that as soon as they have got the new freezers in there will be stocking things again.
Originally posted by hertfordian
From my brief visit to the store this morning, apparently the reduction in frozen items etc. is only whilst they're renovating their frozen foods aisle etc. Hopefully this will be all that does end up happening in the long run rather than the monstrosity they're looking to foist on Hertford...
Reply ID 48889
I agree with most that I don't want this to happen but a small part of me thinks that sadly it will go ahead anyway. However, I know there is at least one action group making a stand so good for them because its important we let our feelings known. In addition to the action groups its important that people put their money where their mouth is, a good way of doing this would be to stop shopping at Tesco's, even for just a short period. Can you imagine how much revenue they'd lose if the whole of Hertford made a stand and didn't shop there for a week. They must take a few hundred thousand pounds a week at that store. Obviously I appreciate that not everyone is in a position to do this, and it would be no good if people just stored up their shopping until the following week, you would have to shop elsewhere! Take a minute to think about it, its one of the most effective (and also perfectly legal) ways to make our concerns heard by those at Tesco. PS: No, I do not work for a rival supermarket, but Waitrose and M&S would clearly do well from this! No doubt there could be downsides to this suggestion so feel free to get involved.
Reply ID 48900
Since the whole Tesco debate began I have been shopping solely at Waitrose - and what a pleasure it has been. The shelves are full of much more interesting produce and the own brand stuff is far superior to Tesco. Give it a go everyone, you may even rediscover the joys of shopping in a smaller, friendlier version of a supermarket. It almost took me back to the days of International Stores in Maidenhead Street - anyone remember that?!
Reply ID 48901
quote:And that is why many market experts say that Waitrose is far more dangerous to independents than big supermarkets can ever be. For people who shop at independents, it isn't price that is a factor... it's service and that is what Waitrose competes with them on...
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
Since the whole Tesco debate began I have been shopping solely at Waitrose - and what a pleasure it has been. The shelves are full of much more interesting produce and the own brand stuff is far superior to Tesco. Give it a go everyone, you may even rediscover the joys of shopping in a smaller, friendlier version of a supermarket. It almost took me back to the days of International Stores in Maidenhead Street - anyone remember that?!
Reply ID 48999
I don't think we all realise how tall and imposing the new Tesco will be. It will form a huge block on that corner, and all the cars on the top will make it like a giant car park. I don't ever shop there, I live the other side of town and also don't like the way Tesco operates, so I don't give them my money. There is a similar problem with them wanting to build in St Albans. I am fortunate that I shop either in Pearce's Farm Shop on the A10, as mentioned on here before, which sells local meats and lovely veg which come in brown paper bags, no packaging! I then shop in Waitrose, or in M & S in my lunch hour for milk etc. But I realise I am not shopping for a large family, and therefore my shopping needs are different to others. I need to do a bit of research on the Tesco subject, as I couldn't get to the Corn Exchange that weekend. We are lucky in Hertford, we have the farmers' markets which are very good, and still have independant shops.
Reply ID 49002
quote:Really. I'm lucky that I have to go to Stevenage (of all places) to go food shopping so that I don't have to give Tesco my money (and I do use the local food shops, it's just some things you can't get other than from supermarkets). I'm lucky that I have to go to another town to go clothes shopping. That's not lucky. Okay, so we're lucky to have a nice range of independent shops. But really, how often do the people who stand up for their rights, actually shop in them?
Originally posted by cassie414
I don't think we all realise how tall and imposing the new Tesco will be. It will form a huge block on that corner, and all the cars on the top will make it like a giant car park. I don't ever shop there, I live the other side of town and also don't like the way Tesco operates, so I don't give them my money. There is a similar problem with them wanting to build in St Albans. I am fortunate that I shop either in Pearce's Farm Shop on the A10, as mentioned on here before, which sells local meats and lovely veg which come in brown paper bags, no packaging! I then shop in Waitrose, or in M & S in my lunch hour for milk etc. But I realise I am not shopping for a large family, and therefore my shopping needs are different to others. I need to do a bit of research on the Tesco subject, as I couldn't get to the Corn Exchange that weekend. We are lucky in Hertford, we have the farmers' markets which are very good, and still have independant shops.
Reply ID 49003
quote:I've not been shopping at Tesco regularly for years, simply because it's such a pig to get to. Apart from saving on my shopping bills, (Co-op and Waitrose standard ranges are as good quality as Tesco's "Finest" and much cheaper) my family no longer eats flouresent pink meat of unknown origin.
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
Since the whole Tesco debate began I have been shopping solely at Waitrose - and what a pleasure it has been. The shelves are full of much more interesting produce and the own brand stuff is far superior to Tesco. Give it a go everyone, you may even rediscover the joys of shopping in a smaller, friendlier version of a supermarket. It almost took me back to the days of International Stores in Maidenhead Street - anyone remember that?!
Reply ID 49006
So, Shunt, you have not been shopping "regularly" at Tesco for years. Does that mean that you do actually shop there? As for being such "a pig to get to", you live in Bengeo. It involves using your legs, putting one foot before the other in order to walk there, which takes about ten minutes, and actually gives you exercise. If that's too much effort the 333 bus runs half hourly during the week. Think that most of Tesco products have the country of origin displayed on the packaging
Reply ID 49008
quote:Tesco is the furthest shop for an habitual walker like me and the most difficult to use if shopping selectively. Country of origin is a legal requirement. Tesco rarely gives rearing information.
Originally posted by buzz
So, Shunt, you have not been shopping "regularly" at Tesco for years. Does that mean that you do actually shop there? As for being such "a pig to get to", you live in Bengeo. It involves using your legs, putting one foot before the other in order to walk there, which takes about ten minutes, and actually gives you exercise. If that's too much effort the 333 bus runs half hourly during the week. Think that most of Tesco products have the country of origin displayed on the packaging
Reply ID 49009
Someone got out of bed the wrong side this morning [:D]
Reply ID 49078
quote:You say that Tesco is "the most difficult to use". How exactly? Also, you state that "Tesco rarely gives rearing information" Can yoou give any examples of how other shops in the town provides such information when Tesco does not? Don't get me wrong. I'm not a Tesco shareholder (wish I was with the money they're making) and don't hold any brief for them, but the fact is that the majority of us use the store because it's convenient, and cheap
Originally posted by shuntquote:Tesco is the furthest shop for an habitual walker like me and the most difficult to use if shopping selectively. Country of origin is a legal requirement. Tesco rarely gives rearing information.
Originally posted by buzz
So, Shunt, you have not been shopping "regularly" at Tesco for years. Does that mean that you do actually shop there? As for being such "a pig to get to", you live in Bengeo. It involves using your legs, putting one foot before the other in order to walk there, which takes about ten minutes, and actually gives you exercise. If that's too much effort the 333 bus runs half hourly during the week. Think that most of Tesco products have the country of origin displayed on the packaging
Reply ID 49079
quote:Waitrose?
Originally posted by buzz
... you state that "Tesco rarely gives rearing information" Can yoou give any examples of how other shops in the town provides such information when Tesco does not?
quote:Sadly, this is probably true. For some people quality counts for little. (Possibly heading off topic here as this isn't really about Tesco's plans for a new store)
Originally posted by buzz
...the fact is that the majority of us use the store because it's convenient, and cheap
Reply ID 49086
quote:How exactly is that an example?
Originally posted by Stevequote:Waitrose?
Originally posted by buzz
... you state that "Tesco rarely gives rearing information" Can yoou give any examples of how other shops in the town provides such information when Tesco does not?quote:Sadly, this is probably true. For some people quality counts for little. (Possibly heading off topic here as this isn't really about Tesco's plans for a new store)
Originally posted by buzz
...the fact is that the majority of us use the store because it's convenient, and cheap
Reply ID 49121
quote:I have seen it said before that Waitrose has better service than the likes of Tesco, Morrissons, Sainsburys etc but can anyone actually support this? I have no strong allegiance to any particlar shop but I do find good service wherever I go - even Hertford Tesco.
Originally posted by Brockmanquote:And that is why many market experts say that Waitrose is far more dangerous to independents than big supermarkets can ever be. For people who shop at independents, it isn't price that is a factor... it's service and that is what Waitrose competes with them on...
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
Since the whole Tesco debate began I have been shopping solely at Waitrose - and what a pleasure it has been. The shelves are full of much more interesting produce and the own brand stuff is far superior to Tesco. Give it a go everyone, you may even rediscover the joys of shopping in a smaller, friendlier version of a supermarket. It almost took me back to the days of International Stores in Maidenhead Street - anyone remember that?!
Reply ID 49127
quote:Three days before Christmas 2006 I bought a chicken for Christmas Day. When I got it home I realised the sell by date was 24th December. It was my own fault for not checking the date, but when I took it back they happily replaced it with a bigger chicken with a longer shelf life. They were under no obligation as the error was entirely mine. They didn't make any fuss, just gave me a replacement.
Originally posted by Dreamer
I have seen it said before that Waitrose has better service than the likes of Tesco, Morrissons, Sainsburys etc but can anyone actually support this?
Reply ID 49128
I am a little confused! Yes it does not take much, but if all this development is on the cards why is tescos re-furbishing the hertford branch now???? I am not against change and to be quiet honest I am not too bothered about the larger redevelpoment (quick get my flack jacket)but they are spending all that money on a 6-8 week refurb, then to shut it and basically demolish it to re-build a new store seems a money wasting exercise!!!
Reply ID 49130
Before they can progress with their new plans,Tesco have to submit plans,get them approved,find another site for a temporary store,get permission to build this,and then build the temporary store.At least two to three years away I think
Reply ID 49145
quote:I'll support it from many year good experience; far better produce, far better staff & I have to say this is not really a very good Waitrose in term of lines - they could do with a makeover & if poss (v unlikely ) expansion (As`an aside Waitrose as a group are currently expanding quite aggressively). They still IMHO way better than Tesco in all areas including cost. Incidentally just got my Tesco bumf through from Mr Kissman.. Guess the rest of you have as well. It beggars belief.. Even when they are attempting to put together a “user friendly” glossy for the masses (us) some marketing muppet cannot resist bunging in randomly selected spin "...community feel & customer experience..". Yeah right.
[ I have seen it said before that Waitrose has better service than the likes of Tesco, Morrissons, Sainsburys etc but can anyone actually support this? I have no strong allegiance to any particlar shop but I do find good service wherever I go - even Hertford Tesco.
Reply ID 49154
I agree that Waitrose has better quality lines than Tesco - you get what you pay for. But I am asking whether the 'service' is actually any better or is it just a case of perception - like the Kings new clothes perhaps?
Reply ID 49155
See my reply four posts back
Reply ID 49157
Im pleased that Tesco want to improve their enviromental footprint, this is why Im suggesting that they knock down the entire site and create an organic market garden in its place .
Reply ID 49158
I am interested to know where they paln to put the "temporary store" any one know of have any ideas?
Reply ID 49159
quote:Very good Waitrose service on the face of it Steve, but is there evidence to say Tesco would not do the same in similar circumstances?
Originally posted by Steve
See my reply four posts back
Reply ID 49160
quote:I think they have intentionally used the rough / cartoony style drawings of the proposed development as a deliberate ploy to make people think it isn't really that bad. It is much easier on the eye to look at a childish drawing that is not to scale and almost makes the whole thing look fun and charming. If, as I think they should do, they commissioned a life like 3D rendered drawing of the actual plans, it would make the idea seem a whole lot more ugly than they are trying to portray it. How can this be helping to improve their environmental footprint? Cement production is one the most unecolgical processes known to man, and it looks as if they plan on using loads of the stuff.
Originally posted by Capitalist piglet
[quote][ Incidentally just got my Tesco bumf through from Mr Kissman..
Reply ID 49161
I feel sick at the thought of this happening, but I'm pretty sure it will. I think the council should think really carefully about the overdevelopment that already exists in this part of town - the Riverside flats, the Dolphin flats, the 'redevelopment' (vandalism?) of the Mazda dealership site. It's going to get gridlocked just like Old Cross. I got the leaflet delivered by Tesco yesterday, inviting comments. They talk a whole lot of balls about the 'needs of the community', and 'serving the community' - I HATE that word in this context. It sounds so friendly and inclusive but it's being used by Tesco so it can't be. How vile for Hertford to be a 'Tesco town' [xx(].
Reply ID 49163
I agree. I filled in and sent back the questionaire and also added points against all the plus points they had. It looks like it will be year of construction hell if this goes ahead for local residents.
Reply ID 49166
Construction hell indeed. A couple of years ago it was Riverside, now we are awoken by the enchanting sound of diggers at 7.30 at the corner of St Johns Street, then just when they have finished Tesco will start. There surely must be some consideration of the needs of local residents?
Reply ID 49169
Consideration of local residents! I think not. Lets be honest all Tesco's are interested in is profit. Personally i feel the site could do with being redeveloped as there is a lot of unused ground with just attracts rubbish. Tesco's does have an opportunity to do something realy special and prove us all wrong in that it can listen to what people say and head the concerns voiced. Somehow it do not see it happening...
Reply ID 49170
quote:Where are you thinking of?
Originally posted by Stan
...there is a lot of unused ground with just attracts rubbish.
Reply ID 49182
quote:The floorspace inbetween the shelves ?
Originally posted by Stevequote:Where are you thinking of?
Originally posted by Stan
...there is a lot of unused ground with just attracts rubbish.
Reply ID 49198
quote:It was good PR to replace the chicken. Which shop was it? But then again - I would guess that any of the main supermarkets would have done the same.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Three days before Christmas 2006 I bought a chicken for Christmas Day. When I got it home I realised the sell by date was 24th December. It was my own fault for not checking the date, but when I took it back they happily replaced it with a bigger chicken with a longer shelf life. They were under no obligation as the error was entirely mine. They didn't make any fuss, just gave me a replacement.
Originally posted by Dreamer
I have seen it said before that Waitrose has better service than the likes of Tesco, Morrissons, Sainsburys etc but can anyone actually support this?
Reply ID 49205
perhaps the competition commision ruling today will make a difference to Tescos proposal in Hertford?
Reply ID 49207
Was thinking of the land between the bus stop and hertford east station.
Reply ID 49208
quote:Fair point. I hadn't thought about that.
Originally posted by Stan
Was thinking of the land between the bus stop and hertford east station.
Reply ID 49216
quote:Why aren't Tesco allowed to use these words? If they build a store and lots of people shop in it, how is that not "serving the community?" Seems to me you are simply bashing Tesco for offering something you are not interested in.
Originally posted by Jo S I got the leaflet delivered by Tesco yesterday, inviting comments. They talk a whole lot of balls about the 'needs of the community', and 'serving the community' - I HATE that word in this context. It sounds so friendly and inclusive but it's being used by Tesco so it can't be.
Reply ID 49218
quote:Surely its the councils job, not Tesco.
Originally posted by Stan
Consideration of local residents! I think not.
Reply ID 49219
quote:If you had any idea as to the cuts used between Waitrose standard and Tesco finest you wouldn't be saying that. Besides, I wouldn't put origin as high up the list of importance as manufacturer. Origin is often used to make people feel warm and fuzzy. The poor manufacturer leads to food posioning. .
Originally posted by shunt Waitrose standard ranges are as good quality as Tesco's "Finest" and much cheaper) my family no longer eats flouresent pink meat of unknown origin.
Reply ID 49224
quote:Hmmm... it seems we have a butcher in our midst. I was, of course refering to the quality of the whole animal whilst alive. Admittedly it is hard to tell, except by taste, fat content and texture, which is why labelling is even more important. As for food poisoning, abbatoirs are pretty off-putting places, regardless of where the animal comes from, but most of the major food poisioning incidents (of the very few that are not caused in the customer's own kitchen) have occurred as a result of the pressure for cheaper meat and insufficient control of bulk handling and recovery, feeding and breeding. Beyond the point of death, it is largely storage, temperature control and cross contamination which causes problems, not the cut of the meat and all supermarkets have strict proceedures at this stage. Plainly a picture of a ruddy-faced "trustworthy" farmer on the front is not what I'm talking about and one does have to check the credentials of any examining authority stated on the pack. I'm sorry, knowing what the profit margin is on "Finest" products, I'm not convinced it's production is significantly more expensive or careful, the difference being largely due to that increased margin.
Originally posted by Dudequote:If you had any idea as to the cuts used between Waitrose standard and Tesco finest you wouldn't be saying that. Besides, I wouldn't put origin as high up the list of importance as manufacturer. Origin is often used to make people feel warm and fuzzy. The poor manufacturer leads to food posioning. .
Originally posted by shunt Waitrose standard ranges are as good quality as Tesco's "Finest" and much cheaper) my family no longer eats flouresent pink meat of unknown origin.
Reply ID 49227
quote:The reason I hate the word community in this context is because the very nature of large multinational businesses is to deliver a one size fits all proposition - if this wasn't the case, they wouldn't get, for example, such huge central buying power. Hertford Tesco is not serving Hertford as a unique community of people - they are bringing their business model that has been rolled out in hundreds of stores across the country. Farrow and Farrow are a business who serve a community in Hertford. Their business model depends largely on successful interaction with their customers and they do not rely on the selling products cheaper than everyone else to succeed. And I am bashing Tesco because I object to the way they do business, the way they have so much power and control in this country and their heinous approach to supplier management.
Originally posted by Dudequote:Why aren't Tesco allowed to use these words? If they build a store and lots of people shop in it, how is that not "serving the community?" Seems to me you are simply bashing Tesco for offering something you are not interested in.
Originally posted by Jo S I got the leaflet delivered by Tesco yesterday, inviting comments. They talk a whole lot of balls about the 'needs of the community', and 'serving the community' - I HATE that word in this context. It sounds so friendly and inclusive but it's being used by Tesco so it can't be.
Reply ID 49229
Today I have heard that Tesco's are trying or have bought the old Shredded Wheat factory in Welwyn Garden City. Soon we will be saturated by super stores.
Reply ID 49230
quote:Its true [url="http://www.whtimes.co.uk/content/whtimes/news/story.aspx?brand=WHTOnline&category=News&tBrand=Herts24&tCategory=newswhtnew&itemid=WEED13%20Feb%202008%2012%3A22%3A42%3A310"]Tesco buys Shredded Wheat site[/url] At least part of the factory is listed so there will presumeably be some limitations on what they can do.
Originally posted by furrybunny
Today I have heard that Tesco's are trying or have bought the old Shredded Wheat factory in Welwyn Garden City. Soon we will be saturated by super stores.
Reply ID 49239
quote:Tesco have gradually purchased the land adjacant to the Shredded Wheat factory as it has become available.It had been romoured that Tesco were going to build a new distribution centre on the site once they had purchased all of it.
Originally posted by furrybunny
Today I have heard that Tesco's are trying or have bought the old Shredded Wheat factory in Welwyn Garden City. Soon we will be saturated by super stores.
Reply ID 49383
quote:Actually, the transformation of a listed building to a supermarket can work really well. This is the finished Tesco at the award winning tesco re-development of the old listed Hoover factory. Its a stunner of a store & residential units. [img]http://www.whtimes.co.uk/content/whtimes/news/story.aspx?brand=WHTOnline&category=News&tBrand=Herts24&tCategory=newswhtnew&itemid=WEED13%20Feb%202008%2012%3A22%3A42%3A310"]Tesco
Originally posted by Leo Densianquote:Its true [url="http://www.whtimes.co.uk/content/whtimes/news/story.aspx?brand=WHTOnline&category=News&tBrand=Herts24&tCategory=newswhtnew&itemid=WEED13%20Feb%202008%2012%3A22%3A42%3A310"]Tesco buys Shredded Wheat site[/url] At least part of the factory is listed so there will presumeably be some limitations on what they can do.
Originally posted by furrybunny
Today I have heard that Tesco's are trying or have bought the old Shredded Wheat factory in Welwyn Garden City. Soon we will be saturated by super stores.
Reply ID 49384
quote:Ditto the Kayser Bondor building in Baldock
Originally posted by Dude
Actually, the transformation of a listed building to a supermarket can work really well. This is the finished Tesco at the award winning tesco re-development of the old listed Hoover factory. Its a stunner of a store & residential units.
Reply ID 49385
Had to smile this morning as I walked into Tesco - there in the doorway is a large board proclaiming what will be available once the refurb is complete in a months time. The one that caught my eye was 'Fresh fruit and vegetables'. I half expected the 'fresh' to be underlined... [:p]
Reply ID 49386
quote:Now serving the community has to be be unique? Since when? Tesco serves the community, as does Farrow & Farrow. Sure Tesco is boring and format based, but it would fail to exist if the public weren't happy with that. They bring their business model because it has proved so popular. Every retailer in the land wants to give its customer what it wants, otherwise people don't shop there. Be it Tesco or Farrow & Farrow. You seem to another member of the bash everything Tesco brigade, who believe its their job to get the world to wake up to the evil on there doorstep! In reality, you are simply telling the vast majority of people they are wrong if they don't agree with your shopping preferences. The funniest thing about the anti supermarket brigade (and I know a few), is I often see them shopping in supermarkets, even though the choice to buy independently still exists. Pot. Kettle. Black.
Originally posted by Jo S Hertford Tesco is not serving Hertford as a unique community of people - they are bringing their business model that has been rolled out in hundreds of stores across the country.
Reply ID 49387
quote:Yeah, forgot about that one. I actually think supermarkets do a better job having to work within a listed building parameter. they have to think more, rather than build a boring box. Some councils push them more than others to genuinely design something that matches its surroundings, rather than simply letting them come up with something that they can get away with.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Ditto the Kayser Bondor building in Baldock
Originally posted by Dude
Actually, the transformation of a listed building to a supermarket can work really well. This is the finished Tesco at the award winning tesco re-development of the old listed Hoover factory. Its a stunner of a store & residential units.
Reply ID 49388
quote:[:D] Afraid not! But I do get the horrors stories from my best friend who is the buyer for the stuff!
Originally posted by shunt Hmmm... it seems we have a butcher in our midst.
Reply ID 49391
Hi There. As some of you may be aware we have established a residents group to try and articulate some of the real issues surrounding the proposed development of Tescos. (As apposed to the spin and rhetoric spouted by the Tesco PR machine). We are apposed to the development on a number of levels, and have started to articulate these on a web site that has now been established. http://www.hertfordresidents.com We don't have all the details yet, and wont until Tesco's official application goes in, but the web site starts to articulate what some of these may be to the people, shops and businesses of Hertford. We are extremely worried about the impact of such a large and overbearing store on a historic town such as Hertford. Please have a look at the web site, or get in touch if you would like to add further support. Our email address is hertfordresident[at]googlemail.com Thank You Hertford Residents Group Edited by admin to prevent email address being harvested by spammers
Reply ID 49393
quote:I don't think it helps the discussion to use generalisations such as "Anti-Tesco Brigade", like it's some sort of label used to put people down or discredit their arguments. Similarly, I don't think it would help to refer to people such as yourself as "Tesco Huggers". These are just divisive terms that turn healthy debates into mud slinging.
Originally posted by Dude
The funniest thing about the anti supermarket brigade (and I know a few), is I often see them shopping in supermarkets, even though the choice to buy independently still exists. Pot. Kettle. Black.
Reply ID 49400
quote:Fine, but how are comments like this not baiting or mud slinging then? " They talk a whole lot of balls about the 'needs of the community', and 'serving the community' - I HATE that word in this context. It sounds so friendly and inclusive but it's being used by Tesco so it can't be." Often the implication here is that the large retailer is evil, and the sooner people wake up to that the better. That in itself suggests that the people that shop there are being mislead or ill educated on the subject.It could well be argued that is inflamatory to the vast majority who choose to go there. A few choice words can completely change the context. I could argue the admin on this site is adding to the problem. Look main article on the home page of Hertford.net. It says "Tesco threaten to double their size". Is that not inflamatory in itself? A great many residents will welcome more choice in a larger store. When did Tesco threaten? I've got no problem playing within the rules, but they seem a little one sided on some subjects.
Originally posted by Stevequote:I don't think it helps the discussion to use generalisations such as "Anti-Tesco Brigade", like it's some sort of label used to put people down or discredit their arguments. Similarly, I don't think it would help to refer to people such as yourself as "Tesco Huggers". These are just divisive terms that turn healthy debates into mud slinging.
Originally posted by Dude
The funniest thing about the anti supermarket brigade (and I know a few), is I often see them shopping in supermarkets, even though the choice to buy independently still exists. Pot. Kettle. Black.
Reply ID 49410
quote:I keep getting stuck on this bit. "More choice". More choice of what? Perhaps I'm being simplistic, but I find quite a range of options open to me walking around town on a Saturday.
Originally posted by Dude A great many residents will welcome more choice in a larger store.
Reply ID 49411
quote:More choice at a lower price...
Originally posted by Ted Badgerquote:I keep getting stuck on this bit. "More choice". More choice of what? Perhaps I'm being simplistic, but I find quite a range of options open to me walking around town on a Saturday.
Originally posted by Dude A great many residents will welcome more choice in a larger store.
Reply ID 49412
quote:I'm not anti-supermarket. Although I do shop at markets and some independent shops, I also like to buy food from supermarkets. It's true I don't like Tesco because, amongst other things, the quality of the food they sell which I think is pretty poor, their record of not treating suppliers very well and their heavy handed approach to planning (which I know is not unique to Tesco). What I object to also is Tesco's emphasis on cheap cheap cheap food, when there are other considerations to also take into account, such as how the food actually tastes, the conditions it is produced in etc. I do think there is another way for supermarkets to operate. Waitrose, for example, has a good record of treating staff and suppliers decently, considerations of animal welfare, and stocking hard to find brands, fair trade for example, which are hard to find elsewhere. Budgens are another supermarket working to include more locally produced food, and the Co-Op has an excellent record of no animal testing on their cleaning products and toiletries. And in fact, despite not being the cheapest on the high street, John Lewis/Waitrose bucked the trend for falling sales this Christmas, whereas Tesco comparatively didn't actually do that well.
Originally posted by Dudequote:Now serving the community has to be be unique? Since when? Tesco serves the community, as does Farrow & Farrow. Sure Tesco is boring and format based, but it would fail to exist if the public weren't happy with that. They bring their business model because it has proved so popular. Every retailer in the land wants to give its customer what it wants, otherwise people don't shop there. Be it Tesco or Farrow & Farrow. You seem to another member of the bash everything Tesco brigade, who believe its their job to get the world to wake up to the evil on there doorstep! In reality, you are simply telling the vast majority of people they are wrong if they don't agree with your shopping preferences. The funniest thing about the anti supermarket brigade (and I know a few), is I often see them shopping in supermarkets, even though the choice to buy independently still exists. Pot. Kettle. Black.
Originally posted by Jo S Hertford Tesco is not serving Hertford as a unique community of people - they are bringing their business model that has been rolled out in hundreds of stores across the country.
Reply ID 49414
We don't have the road infrastructure to deal with a new Tesco store. It's bad enough anyway. Herts CC will have more road maintenance problems than it already has and the noise pollution, even if it wasn't to be a 24 hour store, would be massive. It can't happen unless these issues are dealt with. The Sainsbury site falls into the same discussion.
Reply ID 49416
quote:Fair comment. Wording changed. [:)]
Originally posted by Dude
I could argue the admin on this site is adding to the problem. Look main article on the home page of Hertford.net. It says "Tesco threaten to double their size". Is that not inflamatory in itself? A great many residents will welcome more choice in a larger store. When did Tesco threaten?
Reply ID 49418
quote:Though both create issues of their own, Sainsbury's is a very different proposal to Tesco. It is less car dependant by design and location, it is sited on a currently disused site and a more food-based operation. The principle diffence though is that it is not Tesco. Now, before Dude accuses me of critcising Tesco unfairly, if Sainsbury was the current large store in the town, the addition of a new Tesco store might be more appropriate. As for infrastructure, privately owned shopping facilities are part of infrastructure. The days of allowing the building loads of new roads and junctions to accomodate them are past though and some local authorities are placing severe limits on parking spaces. It's a fairly simple formula. If you make it easier to use cars, more people use cars. If it's difficult, traffic clogged, there's nowhere to park and taking the car is just too much trouble, more people turn to alternatives.
Originally posted by James007
We don't have the road infrastructure to deal with a new Tesco store. It's bad enough anyway. Herts CC will have more road maintenance problems than it already has and the noise pollution, even if it wasn't to be a 24 hour store, would be massive. It can't happen unless these issues are dealt with. The Sainsbury site falls into the same discussion.
Reply ID 49420
quote:Where they are available!
Originally posted by shunt
...more people turn to alternatives.
Reply ID 49421
quote:Exactly... Is there a 'cheap' alternative to Tesco in this town currently? No...
Originally posted by Stevequote:Where they are available!
Originally posted by shunt
...more people turn to alternatives.
Reply ID 49422
quote:With the exception of the severely disabled there is always an alternative to driving your car to a supermarket. Whether a supermarket exists within an area which can be reached by alternative means, will depend on whether we continue to allow them to be sited and structured to specifically favour car use. People do what is easiest. The trains to London are used because it's still easier than driving and they exist because they are used. Very few of those commuters are catching the train purely for noble "green" motives or a sense of public duty. Similarly, I started shopping on foot because it's easier than fighting my way through Hertford in a car, not out of ecological awareness or a need for excercise.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Where they are available!
Originally posted by shunt
...more people turn to alternatives.
Reply ID 49423
quote:I was referring to alternative methods of transport! [:)]
Originally posted by Brockmanquote:Exactly... Is there a 'cheap' alternative to Tesco in this town currently? No...
Originally posted by Stevequote:Where they are available!
Originally posted by shunt
...more people turn to alternatives.
Reply ID 49424
quote:Not really an option for a family of four and their weekly shop though!
Originally posted by shunt
....I started shopping on foot because it's easier than fighting my way through Hertford in a car, not out of ecological awareness or a need for excercise.
Reply ID 49426
quote:Supermarkets have extended their ranges to build upon their convenience. One of the reasons people shop in supermarkets is because they provide so many products under one roof. Consequently people are less likely to make several small shops throughout the week and will instead focus on the one outing to a supermarket to buy a large amount. This results in having to drive as it is not possible to carry the large amounts of produce home.
Originally posted by shuntquote:With the exception of the severely disabled there is always an alternative to driving your car to a supermarket. Whether a supermarket exists within an area which can be reached by alternative means, will depend on whether we continue to allow them to be sited and structured to specifically favour car use. People do what is easiest. The trains to London are used because it's still easier than driving and they exist because they are used. Very few of those commuters are catching the train purely for noble "green" motives or a sense of public duty. Similarly, I started shopping on foot because it's easier than fighting my way through Hertford in a car, not out of ecological awareness or a need for excercise.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Where they are available!
Originally posted by shunt
...more people turn to alternatives.
Reply ID 49427
quote:We are a family of four.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Not really an option for a family of four and their weekly shop though!
Originally posted by shunt
....I started shopping on foot because it's easier than fighting my way through Hertford in a car, not out of ecological awareness or a need for excercise.
Reply ID 49431
quote:Absolutely. Supermarkets rely on us not shopping co-incidentally, but making a special trip. The effect is that we buy more, waste more and that is good for them. Tesco is particularly concentrating on it's non-food, which is why that wish to expand the Hertford store. The idea is that we believe that we HAVE to go to Tesco and whilst there will spend £40 extra on our food, £25 on a Chinese DVD player, £40 on B.O.G.O.F jeans...... Eventually we stuff £200 on a credit card, hand over the spy-in-the-wallet clubcard, which allows them to advertise themselves even more effectively and sell us insurance. Meanwhile the diversity of shops we could have visited on foot during our normal daily activities with no inconvenience or special trip disappear. Only one thing left to do......get in the car and go back to Tesco.
Supermarkets have extended their ranges to build upon their convenience. One of the reasons people shop in supermarkets is because they provide so many products under one roof. Consequently people are less likely to make several small shops throughout the week and will instead focus on the one outing to a supermarket to buy a large amount. This results in having to drive as it is not possible to carry the large amounts of produce home.
Reply ID 49440
Why do so many people still indulge in the ritual of the weekly shop at Tesco when you can order from the comfort of your own home and have it delivered to your door. I have used Sainsbury, Tesco and Waitrose services and they work pretty well to get the heavy bulky stuff. Fresh and dairy goods which are better bought daily or every few days can then be got from the smaller suppliers in easily portable amounts. It also means that you can shop without any temptation to buy extras at the supermarket.
Reply ID 49441
quote:Because we like to see the actual item offered for sale. Online shopping robs us of the opportunity to squeeze a nice, juicy pear.[;)]
Originally posted by Andrew
Why do so many people still indulge in the ritual of the weekly shop at Tesco when you can order from the comfort of your own home and have it delivered to your door. I have used Sainsbury, Tesco and Waitrose services and they work pretty well to get the heavy bulky stuff. Fresh and dairy goods which are better bought daily or every few days can then be got from the smaller suppliers in easily portable amounts. It also means that you can shop without any temptation to buy extras at the supermarket.
Reply ID 49442
Are we any the wiser on where the "temporary " store is intended to be?
Reply ID 49443
quote:I doubt if even Tesco know. If and when they put in a planning application for the "temporary store" then we'll find out maybe.
Originally posted by Marilyn
Are we any the wiser on where the "temporary " store is intended to be?
Reply ID 49484
quote:Having been a senior buyer for Waitrose and Tesco, I can tell you they treat suppliers no differently. In fact, Tesco put their buyers though more training (to be good, not bad!) than any other company I know. Waitrose just market their ethics better. Its one of the ways they justify their prices. I can't speak for Budgen and Coop, but coop seem to have the best reputation. Coop is in fact where I do probably 50% of my shopping, but its a convenience thing as opposed to moral. I'm not a Tesco hugger (great phrase Steve!), but I hate to see any Company slated, when some of the "facts" being presented are plain wrong. I've read books like "Tescopoly" and "supermarket wars" and 70% of what is in them is made up. But of course, the only people that know that are the people working within or around the institutions in question. Thoughout the 90's supermarkets were accused of ripping off Britain. The papers ran endless articles comparing the price of gorceries in the USA compared to here. The result? Everyone believing they were paying too much, and the government launched another enquiry into the trade. More savings should be passed to the public everyone says.... Fast forward Ten years. People are saying, things are too cheap! The public are starting to feel uncomfortable with the moral greys of their cheap goods and they want to feel better. Option one - vote with their feet and start shopping at the place that markets itself correctly to match their own latest moral trend. Option two - Bash the supermarkets constantly and accuse them of being some sort of monster....all the while, continuing to shop there. Unfortunately, option two seems to be the easy route for many people. The problem with the ethics, I mean real improvements in trading ethics, is they cost money. No organisation is going to disadvantage itself against it's competitors by pricing itself out. Iceland tried it by announcing they were going to be exclusively non-GM. Problem is, the public didn't react. It was the beginning of the end for them. Only a government has the power to make such sweeping changes. Steve will rightly remind us to stay on topic....so.... As I've said before, I'm actually against Tesco expanding in Hertford. With Hatfield, Royston and Cheshunt offering a Tesco Extra to the North South and West I think Tesco Hertford should remain standard market town store. I'm sure Tesco could make a double story store look good, but its the traffic congestion that would be my number one issue. I think Hertford needs another supermarket, just not in the location Sainsbury are proposing. .
Originally posted by Jo S I'm not anti-supermarket. Although I do shop at markets and some independent shops, I also like to buy food from supermarkets. It's true I don't like Tesco because, amongst other things, the quality of the food they sell which I think is pretty poor, their record of not treating suppliers very well and their heavy handed approach to planning (which I know is not unique to Tesco). What I object to also is Tesco's emphasis on cheap cheap cheap food, when there are other considerations to also take into account, such as how the food actually tastes, the conditions it is produced in etc. I do think there is another way for supermarkets to operate. Waitrose, for example, has a good record of treating staff and suppliers decently, considerations of animal welfare, and stocking hard to find brands, fair trade for example, which are hard to find elsewhere. Budgens are another supermarket working to include more locally produced food, and the Co-Op has an excellent record of no animal testing on their cleaning products and toiletries. And in fact, despite not being the cheapest on the high street, John Lewis/Waitrose bucked the trend for falling sales this Christmas, whereas Tesco comparatively didn't actually do that well.
Reply ID 49485
quote:I started to get home delivery, but I found all to often I was being given the stuff with short sell by dates. At least in store I could delve to the back of the shelf! So now I do a late Monday night shop. This week it was lovely and empty while I got to enjoy the new album by The feeling on my media player. The supermarket is a great place to break in a new album! [:D]
Originally posted by Andrew
Why do so many people still indulge in the ritual of the weekly shop at Tesco when you can order from the comfort of your own home and have it delivered to your door. I have used Sainsbury, Tesco and Waitrose services and they work pretty well to get the heavy bulky stuff. Fresh and dairy goods which are better bought daily or every few days can then be got from the smaller suppliers in easily portable amounts. It also means that you can shop without any temptation to buy extras at the supermarket.
Reply ID 49505
So, Tesco have announced their latest plans which they say have developed after residents feedback since their last exhibition. The display is being opened to the residents of the immediate area of the store on the evening of Thursday February 28th from 6 - 8pm. It will then be open to the public, in the car park of the Ware Road store from 1 - 5pm on Friday 29th February , and 10am - 3pm on Saturday 1 March. We would encourage everyone who feels strongly about the scheme to go down and make your feelings known. Apparently there will be Tesco representatives on hand to answer the many, many difficult questions which have been raised so far. It will be interesting to see how the feedback so far in this consultation process has been incorporated into the scheme? Or perhaps not. It is obviously being held on a Tesco's site to directly discourage any detractors from articulating the negative impact of this development on the town of Hertford. The Tesco PR/Spin machine steps up a gear. Please go along and make your feelings known, as this issue impacts on every single resident of Hertford and the surrounding area. The town simply does not NEED a store of this size. It requires diversity, which is going to be stamped out if the proposal gets the go ahead. And of course the traffic chaos can only be imagined. This is a great town which needs looking after, not stamping on. Please help us stand up for the small guy, and not the big corporation.
Reply ID 49507
quote:Those times don't suggest a company that wants as many people as possible to see the plans and comment. Given the size of this development one would have hoped that Tesco would make it more accessible.
Originally posted by HertfordResident
...open to the public, in the car park of the Ware Road store from 1 - 5pm on Friday 29th February , and 10am - 3pm on Saturday 1 March.
Reply ID 49519
Judging by the feedback from many Hertford residents that we have had to the proposal, I think Tesco are obviously trying to keep it hush hush, to not stir up any more opposition. And doing it on their own turf (car park) is as close as they can get to playing to a home crowd. ie anyone who shops there is a supporter in some way. However the problem is not with the store as it is - it with what it would become.
Reply ID 49521
thats way more accessible than sainsburys made their plans though.
Reply ID 49764
From my lofty position above the valley, it looks very much to me like Tescos have erected a grey shed/garage type building on the roof on the Mill Rd side. There is also what looks like a big pile of breeze blocks next to it. Call me cynical, but, could this be an attempt by Tescos to show that the roof line is actually higher on the Bluecoats side anyway and the new building won't be such a great increase? I could be totally off track but having seen the sudden and dramatic reduction in goods available coinciding with the consultation on the need for a bigger store has really made me cynical about this.
Reply ID 49766
quote:There are many precedents for this. When a new store is proposed, shortages and difficulties in the current one, or those nearest to a new site, are deliberately created, often under the guise of "refurbishment". You're supposed to get so fed up with it that the new store starts to look welcome and needed.
Originally posted by newgirl
From my lofty position above the valley, it looks very much to me like Tescos have erected a grey shed/garage type building on the roof on the Mill Rd side. There is also what looks like a big pile of breeze blocks next to it. Call me cynical, but, could this be an attempt by Tescos to show that the roof line is actually higher on the Bluecoats side anyway and the new building won't be such a great increase? I could be totally off track but having seen the sudden and dramatic reduction in goods available coinciding with the consultation on the need for a bigger store has really made me cynical about this.
Reply ID 49773
quote:Interested by this bit, Dude. Where, if not McMullen? Has to be brownfield, has to be commercial(employment zone), has to be available, preferably not in the same location as current bulk retail, preferably not out-of-town (environmental issues). Options?
I think Hertford needs another supermarket, just not in the location Sainsbury are proposing.
Reply ID 49781
quote:How about the DBS Desire site. If you knock down all the industrial stuff on that entire site, upto the Mitsubishi garage and right back to Bentleys that would be big enough to accommodate a pretty large supermarket and plenty of parking. It would be lots of fun pulling out onto Ware Road too [:D]
I think Hertford needs another supermarket, just not in the location Sainsbury are proposing.quote:
Originally posted by shunt
Interested by this bit, Dude. Where, if not McMullen? Has to be brownfield, has to be commercial(employment zone), has to be available, preferably not in the same location as current bulk retail, preferably not out-of-town (environmental issues). Options?
Reply ID 49924
Would I be right in saying that Tesco installed the exit onto Ware Road because it was taking 45 minutes to get in and out of the car park using Mead Lane? And that the new plans don't have the luxury of this second exit? If so, won't this make getting in and out of the car park even worse than it was before?
Reply ID 49930
quote:Not with the additional lanes proposed for Mill Road
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Would I be right in saying that Tesco installed the exit onto Ware Road because it was taking 45 minutes to get in and out of the car park using Mead Lane? And that the new plans don't have the luxury of this second exit? If so, won't this make getting in and out of the car park even worse than it was before?
Reply ID 49943
quote:Even with the new proposed lanes into Mill Road it will not alleviate the problem that vehicles then face at the traffic lights at Ware Road. At the moment traffic often drives across the junction blocking traffic along Ware Road. With two lanes this will only exacerbate the situation
Originally posted by Stevequote:Not with the additional lanes proposed for Mill Road
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Would I be right in saying that Tesco installed the exit onto Ware Road because it was taking 45 minutes to get in and out of the car park using Mead Lane? And that the new plans don't have the luxury of this second exit? If so, won't this make getting in and out of the car park even worse than it was before?
Reply ID 49951
quote:I asked them about that one. Their proposal is to sync the Mill Road/Ware Road lights with the ones on the Bluecoat roudabout. So All three Mill Road lanes will go green at the same time as the ones on the Bluecoat roundabout. The theory being, they won't clog the junction. They noticed (as well as us!) that the Mill Road traffic at the moment can block the Ware Road traffic and the Ware Road traffic can block the Mill Road traffic. They said they have written to the council previously about this (having suggested a sync change) but have had no luck with it.
Originally posted by buzzquote:Even with the new proposed lanes into Mill Road it will not alleviate the problem that vehicles then face at the traffic lights at Ware Road. At the moment traffic often drives across the junction blocking traffic along Ware Road. With two lanes this will only exacerbate the situation
Originally posted by Stevequote:Not with the additional lanes proposed for Mill Road
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Would I be right in saying that Tesco installed the exit onto Ware Road because it was taking 45 minutes to get in and out of the car park using Mead Lane? And that the new plans don't have the luxury of this second exit? If so, won't this make getting in and out of the car park even worse than it was before?
Reply ID 49958
quote:In order for that to work, the Bluecoat Roundabout lights would need to be on 24/7 which they aren't currently.....probably a whole new topic on the pro's & cons of that !!
Originally posted by Dudequote:I asked them about that one. Their proposal is to sync the Mill Road/Ware Road lights with the ones on the Bluecoat roudabout. So All three Mill Road lanes will go green at the same time as the ones on the Bluecoat roundabout. The theory being, they won't clog the junction. They noticed (as well as us!) that the Mill Road traffic at the moment can block the Ware Road traffic and the Ware Road traffic can block the Mill Road traffic. They said they have written to the council previously about this (having suggested a sync change) but have had no luck with it.
Originally posted by buzzquote:Even with the new proposed lanes into Mill Road it will not alleviate the problem that vehicles then face at the traffic lights at Ware Road. At the moment traffic often drives across the junction blocking traffic along Ware Road. With two lanes this will only exacerbate the situation
Originally posted by Stevequote:Not with the additional lanes proposed for Mill Road
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Would I be right in saying that Tesco installed the exit onto Ware Road because it was taking 45 minutes to get in and out of the car park using Mead Lane? And that the new plans don't have the luxury of this second exit? If so, won't this make getting in and out of the car park even worse than it was before?
Reply ID 49960
quote:Watch this space [;)] There are 3 spereate landowners there so I don't think it would happen, much more likely to be more flats!
Originally posted by Kitty Katquote:How about the DBS Desire site. If you knock down all the industrial stuff on that entire site, upto the Mitsubishi garage and right back to Bentleys that would be big enough to accommodate a pretty large supermarket and plenty of parking. It would be lots of fun pulling out onto Ware Road too [:D]
I think Hertford needs another supermarket, just not in the location Sainsbury are proposing.quote:
Originally posted by shunt
Interested by this bit, Dude. Where, if not McMullen? Has to be brownfield, has to be commercial(employment zone), has to be available, preferably not in the same location as current bulk retail, preferably not out-of-town (environmental issues). Options?
Reply ID 49961
quote:Whatever their proposals for exit traffic from the Tesco site are it will surely result in longer queues of traffic along Ware Road towards Hertford
Originally posted by Dudequote:I asked them about that one. Their proposal is to sync the Mill Road/Ware Road lights with the ones on the Bluecoat roudabout. So All three Mill Road lanes will go green at the same time as the ones on the Bluecoat roundabout. The theory being, they won't clog the junction. They noticed (as well as us!) that the Mill Road traffic at the moment can block the Ware Road traffic and the Ware Road traffic can block the Mill Road traffic. They said they have written to the council previously about this (having suggested a sync change) but have had no luck with it.
Originally posted by buzzquote:Even with the new proposed lanes into Mill Road it will not alleviate the problem that vehicles then face at the traffic lights at Ware Road. At the moment traffic often drives across the junction blocking traffic along Ware Road. With two lanes this will only exacerbate the situation
Originally posted by Stevequote:Not with the additional lanes proposed for Mill Road
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Would I be right in saying that Tesco installed the exit onto Ware Road because it was taking 45 minutes to get in and out of the car park using Mead Lane? And that the new plans don't have the luxury of this second exit? If so, won't this make getting in and out of the car park even worse than it was before?
Reply ID 49994
Has everyone voted in the Mercury poll? [url]http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/hertfordshiremercury/[/url]
Reply ID 50015
quote:Word on the street is temporary store might go along the Ware Road next to Chadwell golf course - currently Flyers and Stapletons!!!!!
Originally posted by Marilynquote:Watch this space [;)] There are 3 spereate landowners there so I don't think it would happen, much more likely to be more flats!
Originally posted by Kitty Katquote:How about the DBS Desire site. If you knock down all the industrial stuff on that entire site, upto the Mitsubishi garage and right back to Bentleys that would be big enough to accommodate a pretty large supermarket and plenty of parking. It would be lots of fun pulling out onto Ware Road too [:D]
I think Hertford needs another supermarket, just not in the location Sainsbury are proposing.quote:
Originally posted by shunt
Interested by this bit, Dude. Where, if not McMullen? Has to be brownfield, has to be commercial(employment zone), has to be available, preferably not in the same location as current bulk retail, preferably not out-of-town (environmental issues). Options?
Reply ID 50098
The comments on the Mercury web site about the development make for some interesting reading. Last count was 40 comments: 39 against the development, and 1 in favour of it. It is an interesting litmus test of opinion if nothing else. It does become a question of action versus apathy. There are some new images of the 'consultation' and scale model in Tescos car park last weekend, in the Latest News section of the http://www.hertfordresidents.com web site. Tesco didn't seem to have many answers to an awful lot of questions, and there seemed to be a lot of very vocal people there. It will be interesting to see what the press make of it all this week?
Reply ID 50101
quote:When I went to the 'consultation" 4 people were against it, and two seemed to like the idea of a bigger store. The two of the four who were against it were a lovely couple of old dears who also wanted to talk about how nice the trees were this time of year.
Originally posted by HertfordResident
The comments on the Mercury web site about the development make for some interesting reading. Last count was 40 comments: 39 against the development, and 1 in favour of it. It is an interesting litmus test of opinion if nothing else. It does become a question of action versus apathy. There are some new images of the 'consultation' and scale model in Tescos car park last weekend, in the Latest News section of the http://www.hertfordresidents.com web site. Tesco didn't seem to have many answers to an awful lot of questions, and there seemed to be a lot of very vocal people there. It will be interesting to see what the press make of it all this week?
Reply ID 50104
quote:Wanting a bigger store is not the same as wanting THIS bigger store.
Originally posted by Dudequote:When I went to the 'consultation" 4 people were against it, and two seemed to like the idea of a bigger store. The two of the four who were against it were a lovely couple of old dears who also wanted to talk about how nice the trees were this time of year.
Originally posted by HertfordResident
The comments on the Mercury web site about the development make for some interesting reading. Last count was 40 comments: 39 against the development, and 1 in favour of it. It is an interesting litmus test of opinion if nothing else. It does become a question of action versus apathy. There are some new images of the 'consultation' and scale model in Tescos car park last weekend, in the Latest News section of the http://www.hertfordresidents.com web site. Tesco didn't seem to have many answers to an awful lot of questions, and there seemed to be a lot of very vocal people there. It will be interesting to see what the press make of it all this week?
Reply ID 50106
quote:Indeed, and it could be said that Tesco has artificially created that demand by their usual tactic of sabotaging the current store, because a new store is being proposed.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Wanting a bigger store is not the same as wanting THIS bigger store.
Originally posted by Dudequote:When I went to the 'consultation" 4 people were against it, and two seemed to like the idea of a bigger store. The two of the four who were against it were a lovely couple of old dears who also wanted to talk about how nice the trees were this time of year.
Originally posted by HertfordResident
The comments on the Mercury web site about the development make for some interesting reading. Last count was 40 comments: 39 against the development, and 1 in favour of it. It is an interesting litmus test of opinion if nothing else. It does become a question of action versus apathy. There are some new images of the 'consultation' and scale model in Tescos car park last weekend, in the Latest News section of the http://www.hertfordresidents.com web site. Tesco didn't seem to have many answers to an awful lot of questions, and there seemed to be a lot of very vocal people there. It will be interesting to see what the press make of it all this week?
Reply ID 50113
quote:I Agree. But equally, their view is not matched by those views on the website being pushed on the post I am responding to. The site claims "the overwhelming atmosphere seemed to be of great frustration and general outrage". Poetic at best.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Wanting a bigger store is not the same as wanting THIS bigger store.
Originally posted by Dudequote:When I went to the 'consultation" 4 people were against it, and two seemed to like the idea of a bigger store. The two of the four who were against it were a lovely couple of old dears who also wanted to talk about how nice the trees were this time of year.
Originally posted by HertfordResident
The comments on the Mercury web site about the development make for some interesting reading. Last count was 40 comments: 39 against the development, and 1 in favour of it. It is an interesting litmus test of opinion if nothing else. It does become a question of action versus apathy. There are some new images of the 'consultation' and scale model in Tescos car park last weekend, in the Latest News section of the http://www.hertfordresidents.com web site. Tesco didn't seem to have many answers to an awful lot of questions, and there seemed to be a lot of very vocal people there. It will be interesting to see what the press make of it all this week?
Reply ID 50115
quote:I think thats called paranoia!
Originally posted by shuntIndeed, and it could be said that Tesco has artificially created that demand by their usual tactic of sabotaging the current store, because a new store is being proposed.
Reply ID 50117
quote:.....or a continuously reccurring coincidence all over the country.
Originally posted by Dudequote:I think thats called paranoia!
Originally posted by shuntIndeed, and it could be said that Tesco has artificially created that demand by their usual tactic of sabotaging the current store, because a new store is being proposed.
Reply ID 50118
quote:This I'd like to hear!? The current Tesco works were in the pipeline long before the Sainsbury and new Tesco proposal. So where else do they propose these so called "tactics"? Please don't tell me its simple hearsay?
Originally posted by shuntquote:.....or a continuously reccurring coincidence all over the country.
Originally posted by Dudequote:I think thats called paranoia!
Originally posted by shuntIndeed, and it could be said that Tesco has artificially created that demand by their usual tactic of sabotaging the current store, because a new store is being proposed.
Reply ID 50121
quote:Well, part one would depend on when Tesco became aware of the Sainbury deal and whether it's a given that the Tesco plan is only a response to it, made in the last moment, rather than their longer term policy of aiming for non-food in every store. The complaints about understocking at Tesco do go back some way. As for the alledged policy, of course it's hearsay to an extent. I mentioned the complaints about Tesco on this forum to a ex-member of Tesco senior management, who remains pro-Tesco. Her suggestion was that it was policy to create shortages and inconvenience in stores closest to areas where a new store was being proposed, in order to create an impression of inadequate provision and that we could expect an announcement soon. At the time I expected it to be Welwyn. Even though this person is someone I trust not to sensationalise, I still questioned why the Hertford store appears to have been "run-down", when it has obviously been highly profitable per sq/ft. The sudden announcement of it's redevelopment appears to provide a convenient answer, but then, that is the nature of conspiracy theories.[;)]
Originally posted by Dudequote:This I'd like to hear!? The current Tesco works were in the pipeline long before the Sainsbury and new Tesco proposal. So where else do they propose these so called "tactics"? Please don't tell me its simple hearsay?
Originally posted by shuntquote:.....or a continuously reccurring coincidence all over the country.
Originally posted by Dudequote:I think thats called paranoia!
Originally posted by shuntIndeed, and it could be said that Tesco has artificially created that demand by their usual tactic of sabotaging the current store, because a new store is being proposed.
Reply ID 50123
quote:And Someone had their kidneys harvested....and there is not real potato in fast food fries....and MacDonalds add a secret "thing" to their burgers that make them addictive...and Princess Di was murdered! [;)] Banksy sums us up best! [img]http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/entertainment_enl_1204805297/img/1.jpg[/img]
Originally posted by shunt As for the alledged policy, of course it's hearsay to an extent. I mentioned the complaints about Tesco on this forum to a ex-member of Tesco senior management, who remains pro-Tesco. Her suggestion was that it was policy to create shortages and inconvenience in stores closest to areas where a new store was being proposed, in order to create an impression of inadequate provision and that we could expect an announcement soon. At the time I expected it to be Welwyn. Even though this person is someone I trust not to sensationalise, I still questioned why the Hertford store appears to have been "run-down", when it has obviously been highly profitable per sq/ft. The sudden announcement of it's redevelopment appears to provide a convenient answer, but then, that is the nature of conspiracy theories.[;)]
Reply ID 50626
This is interesting, in the light of what's going on in hertford http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_home/displayarticle.asp?id=262363
Reply ID 50627
The author seems familiar too!
Reply ID 50701
quote:Is it me or has raymond tried to make something out of nothing here? (as usual). Tesco were refused an extension, so they will open a store without one. Wheres the scandal in that?
Originally posted by Andy L
This is interesting, in the light of what's going on in hertford http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_home/displayarticle.asp?id=262363
Reply ID 50857
Another example of Tesco throwing their toys out of the pram after Sainsbury's have expressed interested in an area...http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tesco-invades-seaton-ndash-closing-the-nursery-and-holiday-village-800210.html
Reply ID 50864
quote:And another great example of selective journalism to corporate bash. If the owner sold the camp to Tesco, what did he think was going to happen? Tesco's first theme park? Besides, a quick look into the issue and you will discover that the Park was already going to close. Tesco were the only buyer for the site and were welcomed by the council as part of the regeneration scheme. Instead of sticking to the facts about what and why Tesco are doing with this site, he goes on some selective knocking about their representation in the area. He seems to have discounted the major fact that this is Somerfield's home turf. They are everywhere down there. They seemed to have vanished out of his calculation. The one where he uses 22 miles for one side of a comparison, and only 18 on the other.....hmm. I wonder why.......? Today Seaton.... Tomorrow the world!!!!! Look here! [url]http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tesco-invades-seaton-ndash-closing-the-nursery-and-holiday-village-800210.html .
Originally posted by Jo S
Another example of Tesco throwing their toys out of the pram after Sainsbury's have expressed interested in an area...http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tesco-invades-seaton-ndash-closing-the-nursery-and-holiday-village-800210.html
Reply ID 50872
What are you like? I've now spent 20 minutes looking at You Tube. I loved the guy who phoned Asda and got them to announce over thew store tannoy that "Tescos is cheaper" I did also do some serious research into Tescos collapsed store at Gerrards Cross (three years on and they are just about to re start work on it)and how the plans for Tescoville at Sheringham are going. (http://tescno.blogspot.com/) Still, you can't expect me to be able to concentrate on one thing at a time, I've been watching sheep give birth all weekend on Lamb cam http://tescno.blogspot.com/) Be happy
Reply ID 50874
quote:LOL!!! [:D][:D][:D]
Originally posted by Anorak
What are you like? I've now spent 20 minutes looking at You Tube. I loved the guy who phoned Asda and got them to announce over thew store tannoy that "Tescos is cheaper" I did also do some serious research into Tescos collapsed store at Gerrards Cross (three years on and they are just about to re start work on it)and how the plans for Tescoville at Sheringham are going. (http://tescno.blogspot.com/) Still, you can't expect me to be able to concentrate on one thing at a time, I've been watching sheep give birth all weekend on Lamb cam http://tescno.blogspot.com/) Be happy
Reply ID 50876
quote:[img]http://tescno.blogspot.com/) Baaaaaa!
Originally posted by Anorak
What are you like? I've now spent 20 minutes looking at You Tube. I loved the guy who phoned Asda and got them to announce over thew store tannoy that "Tescos is cheaper" I did also do some serious research into Tescos collapsed store at Gerrards Cross (three years on and they are just about to re start work on it)and how the plans for Tescoville at Sheringham are going. (http://tescno.blogspot.com/) Still, you can't expect me to be able to concentrate on one thing at a time, I've been watching sheep give birth all weekend on Lamb cam http://tescno.blogspot.com/) Be happy
Reply ID 50958
In today's junk mail post, from Tesco Hertford "a fresh new look for your store" leaflet, a temporary clubcard, and some coupons to use at Hertford. Just a mail shot, or did they take my name and address from the questionnaire I filled in on the open day in the car park?
Reply ID 50968
oh my word conspiracy mania. No; It's just a mailshot!
Reply ID 50969
quote:Just a mail shot. I filled in the questionnaire but didn't put my name or address and I received the same garbage
Originally posted by cassie414
In today's junk mail post, from Tesco Hertford "a fresh new look for your store" leaflet, a temporary clubcard, and some coupons to use at Hertford. Just a mail shot, or did they take my name and address from the questionnaire I filled in on the open day in the car park?
Reply ID 51552
Slightly off-topic, but a hoot nonetheless [url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/7344045.stm"]Gran in Tesco boss planning war[/url] "A grandmother from Merseyside has applied for planning permission to demolish the home of Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy."
Reply ID 51553
Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed the decline in the number of products on sale. I might be cynical, but wonder if they are deliberately withdrawing certain lines in order to boost their claim that the current store cannot cater for the needs of customers.
Reply ID 51557
quote:Or Buzz, do we need Tesco's???? can we all manage our weekly shopping without them![:D]
Originally posted by buzz
Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed the decline in the number of products on sale. I might be cynical, but wonder if they are deliberately withdrawing certain lines in order to boost their claim that the current store cannot cater for the needs of customers.
Reply ID 51558
quote:I am sure the other residents of The Ridgeway would love a community garden in their midst, trouble is the choildren would have trouble getting their balls back from over the security gates! After what he has just spent on enlarging the house knocking it down would be a shame but it would make a great basis for a new superstore, even enough room for parking me thinks!
Originally posted by Steve
Slightly off-topic, but a hoot nonetheless [url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/7344045.stm"]Gran in Tesco boss planning war[/url] "A grandmother from Merseyside has applied for planning permission to demolish the home of Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy."
Reply ID 51590
quote:Unfortunately furrybunny I fear that you are in a minority - and the majority of people in the UK like (or at least think they do) what Tesco (and other large supermarkets) provide. Tesco's success comes from being popular with customers, You can moan all you like about Tesco causing smaller shops to go out of business, but it is not Tesco doing that, it is the customers.
Originally posted by furrybunny
Or Buzz, do we need Tesco's???? can we all manage our weekly shopping without them![:D]
Reply ID 51592
quote:I'm not sure that's entirely true. Tesco may be a bit like Robert Mugabe. So popular at first that it gained enough early power to be immune to challenge by competition thereafter.
Originally posted by jez_pquote:Unfortunately furrybunny I fear that you are in a minority - and the majority of people in the UK like (or at least think they do) what Tesco (and other large supermarkets) provide. Tesco's success comes from being popular with customers, You can moan all you like about Tesco causing smaller shops to go out of business, but it is not Tesco doing that, it is the customers.
Originally posted by furrybunny
Or Buzz, do we need Tesco's???? can we all manage our weekly shopping without them![:D]
Reply ID 51594
quote:I know Tesco are harsh on farmers with the prices they pay for produce, but at least they don't murder them!
Originally posted by shunt
Tesco may be a bit like Robert Mugabe.
Reply ID 51598
quote:[:D] Too literal, methinks.
Originally posted by aubendquote:I know Tesco are harsh on farmers with the prices they pay for produce, but at least they don't murder them!
Originally posted by shunt
Tesco may be a bit like Robert Mugabe.
Reply ID 51616
quote:I did laugh when I read this at the weekend. But I wish she'd applied to build a small store (with petrol station)!
Originally posted by Steve
Slightly off-topic, but a hoot nonetheless [url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/7344045.stm"]Gran in Tesco boss planning war[/url] "A grandmother from Merseyside has applied for planning permission to demolish the home of Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy."
Reply ID 51642
quote:Unfortunately furrybunny I fear that you are in a minority - and the majority of people in the UK like (or at least think they do) what Tesco (and other large supermarkets) provide. Tesco's success comes from being popular with customers, You can moan all you like about Tesco causing smaller shops to go out of business, but it is not Tesco doing that, it is the customers. The sad fact is that the supermarkets and I mean ALL of them, run this country between them, they have monopolized everything.[:(]
Originally posted by jez_p
[quote]Originally posted by furrybunny
Or Buzz, do we need Tesco's???? can we all manage our weekly shopping without them![:D]
Reply ID 51643
quote:I think you'll find that people run the country so vote with your plimsoles if ye do not like it!! [:)]
Originally posted by furrybunnyquote:Unfortunately furrybunny I fear that you are in a minority - and the majority of people in the UK like (or at least think they do) what Tesco (and other large supermarkets) provide. Tesco's success comes from being popular with customers, You can moan all you like about Tesco causing smaller shops to go out of business, but it is not Tesco doing that, it is the customers. The sad fact is that the supermarkets and I mean ALL of them, run this country between them, they have monopolized everything.[:(]
Originally posted by jez_p
[quote]Originally posted by furrybunny
Or Buzz, do we need Tesco's???? can we all manage our weekly shopping without them![:D]
Reply ID 51685
oooh James you are such a charmer!!! I do vote with my stilettos not plimsoles, I do have some class!
Reply ID 51731
I popped into the Hertford Tesco this morning. for the first time since the "re-launch". It seemed a much better layout and range.
Reply ID 51743
Have to disagree about the range. They have definately reduced the number of products
Reply ID 51747
quote:I do think the range has shrunk. But I think thats a good thing. The store was trying too hard to be all things to all people. I think a smaller range with bigger aisles and stocked items is a better shopping environment. Its had been trying to be bigger than it was, if that makes sense. If I want the full range, I'll go to an Extra store.
Originally posted by buzz
Have to disagree about the range. They have definately reduced the number of products
Reply ID 51755
Sorry, don't agree. when you've got used to being able to buy things from your local store it's a bit of a bummer when they suddenly stop stocking them
Reply ID 51760
quote:How many times does it have to be said. Not every one can get to a supermarket other than the Tesco in Hertford.
Originally posted by Dudequote:I do think the range has shrunk. But I think thats a good thing. The store was trying too hard to be all things to all people. I think a smaller range with bigger aisles and stocked items is a better shopping environment. Its had been trying to be bigger than it was, if that makes sense. If I want the full range, I'll go to an Extra store.
Originally posted by buzz
Have to disagree about the range. They have definately reduced the number of products
Reply ID 51766
quote:Have I missed something? How many times does what have to be said?
Originally posted by Brockmanquote:How many times does it have to be said. Not every one can get to a supermarket other than the Tesco in Hertford.
Originally posted by Dudequote:I do think the range has shrunk. But I think thats a good thing. The store was trying too hard to be all things to all people. I think a smaller range with bigger aisles and stocked items is a better shopping environment. It has been trying to be bigger than it was, if that makes sense. If I want the full range, I'll go to an Extra store.
Originally posted by buzz
Have to disagree about the range. They have definately reduced the number of products
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