Compromise on Tesco plans

The retail giant has added a junction from Centenary Way onto Kenneth Street to boost businesses around Effingham Street.

Small traders feared for their livelihoods in January when the £40 million Tesco Extra vision was unveiled—with no link from the dual carriageway.

But altered proposals were revealed during a drop-in session held for traders at the All Saints’ Centre last Wednesday (7).

Richard Foster, managing director of Fosters For Furniture on Effingham Street, said: “There were several of us who walked in together.

“Straight away one of the guys put a plan on the table and asked what we thought to that. We all looked at each other and, to begin with, wondered what the catch was.”

Tesco hopes to leave Forge Island and open on Drummond Street—with 200 extra jobs—in 2013. Part of the project involves removing the Centenary Way flyover.

Mr Foster said: “I guess Tesco are going to run into some sort of opposition whenever they open a new store.

“But perhaps here they recognised that giving us a slip road is going to improve the traffic flow for both them and us.

“We came away smiling because they have listened to us on this. We’re pleased that people will be able to access the street directly from the dual carriageway.”

Barry Wilson, owner of industrial and motor suppliers Kings of Rotherham, felt that pointing out potential problems for emergency service vehicles had helped their cause.

He said: “A few of us mentioned that the only access for police, fire engines and ambulances would have been going to the end of Centenary Way and then down to the bottom of St Ann’s Way.

“It might only be a couple of minutes but it could be vital.

“And if there’s an accident at the roundabout the police use Effingham Street, which they wouldn’t have been able to do under the original Tesco plan.

He added: “This street used to be a through road but it’s been kicked about over the years, with the dual carriageway, the flyover and talk of trams.

“Hopefully when they put in the crossing from the bus station we’ll see an increase in footfall.”

Pharmacist Alan Cryer, who has run his independent store on Kenneth Street for 40 years, said highlighting their plight in the Advertiser had contributed.

He added: “I was on my way to the drop-in when I bumped into a few coming back, and they said everything was fine.

“The cut-off road was all we wanted, so I didn’t even need to go to the meeting in the end. The feeling around here is now much more positive than it was a few weeks ago.”

Stephen Holme, from developers TCN, said: “The changes we have made show how committed we are to working alongside businesses in the town centre.

“We’re delighted to take their views on board and work with the highways team at Rotherham Borough Council to come up with a solution that we feel will benefit everyone.

“The reaction we have had from local traders has been really positive and we will continue to work with them as we bring forward an important development for the future of Rotherham.”

Tesco said there had been great support for the application so far from the public and business community.

Corporate affairs manager Matthew Magee added: “Our customers have been telling us for a long time that they want to see an improved store.

“We now have the opportunity to provide that and help bring more footfall to businesses in the town centre.”

The plans, which also include a petrol station and 550-space car park, is expected to be voted on by Rotherham’s planning board next month.