New Sainsbury’s on the Portobello Rd?
- Category: Local
- Written by Source Mag
- Hits: 8385
Don’t you get the feeling you’re been conned?
One struggles to understand the motivation to open yet another supermarket in this street, particularly from a brand that is already pretty established in the area.
Under the banner of the free market ethos these large businesses ram their way through every neighborhood, taking every available space despite the fact that they have exactly the same just down the road or around the corner. What is the benefit for residents? Where is the promised land of choice aplenty? These are like dogs marking territory by pissing on every tree.
There’s no choice. They are not interested in our choice. This is complete madness. They are in a world of their own with no regard for anything. And the worst is: little can be done. If they choose to open several supermarkets all along the Portobello Rd., they can as Planning law allows it to happen. Residents have little say in the matter. So much for localism as trumpeted by the Tory 2010 manifesto where a section entitled ‘Make politics more local’ outlined their plans for doing this through elected mayors:
‘We will put neighbourhoods in charge of planning the way their communities develop, with incentives in favour of sustainable development. We will make it easier for everyone to get onto the housing ladder. We will give individuals and local government much more power, allow communities to take control of vital services, and give people the chance to have a powerful, elected mayor in England’s largest cities.’
If makes one wonder the question that has been there for a very long time ? This excess of the same, does it not defeat the purpose of the ‘free market’ idea? Or is it the ‘free market’ designed by default for these situations to happen? We are, in effect being depleted of choice.
Yet a letter by Colville Ward Councillor Monica Press stated “Sainsbury’s are keen to engage with local Councillors and residents and we welcome another food store for local residents in the street”. Really? But guess what? The consultation period has finished…. So much for engaging the residents.
PLUS
We're doind a survey about this - check Supermarkets in Portobello Rd
We're also writing to Sainsbury's about this. Feel free to send us a question and we'll include it in our letter. Thanks.
