RAISING the profile of independent businesses in Warley Hill will help them survive the arrival of Brentwood's latest Tesco store, it has been claimed.
Liberal Democrat borough councillors Karen Chilvers and David Kendall have joined forces with independent member William Lloyd to take "positive action" to help traders by organising a Shop Warley Day, which will take place today.
The move comes after supermarket giant Tesco announced it would be converting the former Warley Tavern pub into an Express store – the fourth of its kind in Brentwood.
The firm says the new supermarket would create up to 20 jobs, although as previously reported in the Gazette, traders fear it would take away their custom, leading to job losses and shop closures.
Cllr Chilvers, who represents Brentwood West, said: "Positive action is needed if we are going to help retailers through the potential effect of a Tesco on Warley Hill, so we are encouraging residents to support their local retailers by having a Shop Warley Day.
"Recently, I sent a good friend of mine to the Warley Hill hardware store for a shower switch after he'd scoured Chelmsford and Brentwood looking for one – he got it there no problem.
"It's surprising what you can find.
"Londis has some amazing cooking ingredients and fresh fruit and veg, The Emporium has cleaning materials at low prices and the newsagents now do fresh bread so come along and investigate what you can find locally."
Cllr Lloyd, who represents Warley, said: "I am delighted to be working with Cllr Chilvers and Cllr Kendall to do something positive to support traders in Warley and promote the great offering they have for residents.
"We have so much to offer in Warley – you can get fresh flowers, the missing DIY part from the electrical shop, fresh bread from the newsagent or a quick pint in The Essex Arms.
"I hope that people will join us on Saturday in supporting these traders through still very difficult times.
"We are the people who will help save and support our local traders, so let's all work together to do exactly that."
A Tesco spokesman this week insisted that the new Express store would not be a threat to independent businesses on Warley Hill.
She said: "Our Express stores are convenience food stores and tend to serve people close to the store.
"They are popular because they offer quality, service, competitive prices and, more importantly, convenience on your doorstep.
"In our experience Express stores keep people shopping in an area and in turn encourage them to use other local shops and services."
What do you think of the offering from traders in Warley Hill? Will you use the new Tesco store when it opens?
Write to us at Brentwood Gazette, 1st Floor, Kestrel House, Hedgerows Business Park, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5PF or email editorial@ gazettenews.co.uk
