TESCO is facing calls to make a decision over its proposed store in Grimsby's Bargate.
As reported on www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk yesterday, the supermarket giant confirmed it is still reviewing its options over the controversial plan to transform the derelict former Great Grimsby Conservative Association building into a Tesco Express, pictured right.
It had been understood that the Bargate development was one of 49 planned stores nationwide that were being pulled by the retailer – along with those in Immingham and Mablethorpe.
But Tesco spokesman Mark Thomas told the Grimsby Telegraph that Bargate was not included in Thursday's announcement – which was made in the midst of plummeting profits for the supermarket chain.
However, Mr Thomas could not give any indication as to when the company would make a decision whether or not to proceed with the development.
And this has prompted calls from a leading campaigner against the development for Tesco to clarify their plans for the site.
Chris Swale, a spokesman for the residents' group which was set up to fight the controversial proposal, claimed that metal panelling recently installed over the windows of the red-bricked Victorian building had turned it into a derelict-looking building.
He said: "It's looking in the worst state it has ever looked. Tesco need to come to the community and say they are going to put in a planning application to develop it or they are going to put it on the market for somebody else to do something with it.
"Before it was at least presentable and looked like a building that was still in use, but with these badly fitted corrugated fittings in the windows, it sticks out like a sore thumb as a building that looks derelict. It looks like a bit of a shell.
"I know one guy who wants to turn it into short-term accommodation for contractors, but at the moment, the building is just sitting there derelict and no-one can do anything with it."
Mr Swale said he had also contacted Tesco and the developer Bargate Assets expressing his concern over the state of the building and overgrown trees on the site, which is located within a conservation area.
He added: "They need to be good stewards of the building and good neighbours."
In response, Tesco spokesman Mr Thomas said: "We are very conscious of our responsibilities as a neighbour.
"The panelling was installed because in the period of time that the building has been unoccupied there have been attempted break-ins, broken windows, small fires started and evidence of drug-taking, and we wanted to address that with a secure solution. We appreciated that it may not be as attractive as people would like, but in terms of securing the building, it is the most effective option.
"With regards to the trees, that is something we will definitely take on board and we are looking at what we can do. We appreciate all comments and views and we want to engage with people."
