WELCOME FOR TESCO'S CITY CENTRE DECISION

12.28.00pm GMT Tue 9th Feb 2010

Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Sandy Walkington has welcomed Tesco's decision to move to new, larger premises in the city centre and no longer seek to impose a wholly inappropriate superstore on the London Road site.

"This is a victory for common sense. It is a victory for the Stop Tesco campaign and for all the local residents who took part. It's a victory for St Albans. And I believe it's a victory for Tesco. It's a win-win for everyone.

"A new, larger Tesco at the top end of St Peters Street will be an anchor and magnet for a part of the city centre which has recently been struggling. It will be a real asset for nearby residents and reduce unnecessary shopping car trips. It will complement and boost the market.

"There is also a huge opportunity with the London Road site. I hope there will be a really good planning brief so we make the most of this asset. Housing clearly, but perhaps this is also the opportunity for the new primary school so desperately needed in the city centre. It would require a radical rethink of how schools are designed, but London has many examples of successful urban schools.

"I never thought I would take my hat off to Tesco. I am pleased to do it today."