At its meeting on Wednesday 17 November, the District Council received a petition, of 951 signatories, about the decision of Tesco plc to change the status of its store on the Parade in Royal Leamington Spa from a Metro format to an Express format. The wording of the petition was:

“We the undersigned do not want Tesco Plc. to change the supermarket on the Parade from Metro store to an Express store. If this happens, we believe there will be significant price increases and a reduction in the product range on offer.”

The Council was addressed by Peter Glanfield, a local resident, and was supported by fellow members of the public in the gallery. The Council debated the petition and it was agreed unanimously that the Council should write to you to raise our concerns on the proposed changes to Tesco on the Parade in Leamington Spa and support for it to be given the status of a Super Store.

While the letter is in my name, as Chairman of the Council, I have consulted with the Group Leaders of the Political Groups on the Council to ensure it reflects the debate from last night and they are supportive of the wording.

The Council understands that Tesco is currently reviewing its decision about the status of the store. We also welcome the engagement that you have already had with the petitioners and one of their Councillors on this question at a recent meeting. The Council gives its strongest support to the petitioners that the store in question be designated as a Super Store.

Councillors were gravely concerned about the additional costs to shoppers at a time of rising pressure on household costs, and the loss of a vital amenity especially for the more elderly, less able, vulnerable, and disadvantaged if the store were to be designated as an Express. There was no party-political motivation behind the Council’s resolution which is in response to and in support of significant concern to our community in this Town. 

The District Council has recently established a Transformation Board to consider the future strategic development of the central area of Royal Leamington Spa. There are several important developments already underway and changing patterns of use.

There are other developments that we need to consider with our partners to ensure the future economic prosperity, creativity, and attractiveness of the Town to residents, visitors, businesses, and other organisations. As this project gets underway, we very much hope that Tesco Plc will want to be part of our thinking and consideration of these important matters. 

I look forward to your reply, before 1 December 2021, regarding the concerns raised by this Council and its residents.

Yours sincerely,

Letter to Tesco from Chairman (PDF)