Tesco set to revert back to One Stop (From Swindon Advertiser)

Tesco set to revert back to One Stop

6:00pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News By Matthew Edwards

RESIDENTS fear that changing their neighbourhood shop could be a step backwards.

Staff at Tesco Express in Toothill Village Centre were told last week that the shop will be turned into a One Stop on November 19.

The unit used to be a One Stop before Tesco bought the value chain in 2010 and rebranded the Toothill shop as a Tesco Express.

Residents have voiced their concerns to councillors that the move could mean they lose their post office, which is in the store and which they fought a long battle to save.

The Mannington and Western ward councillors are seeking an urgent meeting with Tesco to talk about the proposal.

Coun Jim Robbins (Lab, Mannington and Western) said: “I got a call last week from a resident who was concerned about it.

“That is how a lot of local residents feel. Although it used to be a One Stop before, since it changed they feel that it has improved the village centre.

“They feel the area is a lot nicer now, and are concerned about safety if it was to revert to a One Stop.

“We are urgently seeking a meeting with Tesco to find out exactly what is going on regarding this.

“The council own the building and we want to put pressure on Tesco to ensure they are doing the best thing for the community.

“Another concern is the future of the post office if the shop was to change, because a lot of people rely on that service and the councillors have fought hard for it in the past.”

A One Stop spokesman said: “We want our stores to be a real part of the communities they serve, and we hope the One Stop shop will be just that for the people of Toothill.

“The store will continue to provide an excellent range of products, great customer service and a post office facility. “In addition, we’re looking forward to offering our customers Paypoint, which will allow them to pay their utility bills quickly and conveniently.”