Angry campaigners last night met representatives of Tesco, the UK's biggest supermarket chain, over its proposals for a massive development in the west end of Glasgow.
MSPs, local councillors and residents discussed the retail giant's plans to build a 24-hour superstore, 900 student flats and 580 parking spaces in a 14-story development on the banks of the Kelvin at the bottom of Byres Road.
According to critics, the scheme will drive local retailers out of business, increase traffic and pollution, and create a student ghetto.
Locals have already sent over 1000 letters of objection to Glasgow City Council. Around 400 e-petitions to the Scottish Parliament have also been signed.
Speakers last night included Dr Samer Bagaeen, resident and chairman of the Stop (Stop Tesco Owning Partick) campaign, and an expert in spacial planning.
Also speaking were Gordon Quirk, an optician representing the Federation of Small Businesses, Lee Woods, a transport researcher, and Duncan Neish, a specialist in traffic management. The meeting was also attended by MSPs Pauline McNeil and Sandra White.
Local traders are worried about the impact on custom of a local 24-hour Tesco. Bernard Thain, owner of Fencebay smokehouse and a regular at the Partick Farmers' Market, said: "There is no doubt that our custom will be affected both at the farmers' market and at the independent shops we supply. Every small business in the area will suffer. It happened to us in Largs when Morrisons opened."
Although the executive and local councils are currently in recess prior to the May 3 elections, Dr Bagaeen said he is keen to keep awareness high and is hopeful that the newly regrouped Planning Committee will enforce a second revision of Tesco's proposals.
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