Competition review needed on Tesco proposal (Cambridge Liberal Democrats)

Cambridge Liberal Democrats <camlibdems@gmail.com>

Competition review needed on Tesco proposal

October 26, 2007 1:00 PM

The Leader of Cambridge City Council has called for the Office of Fair Trading to investigate proposals for a Tesco on Mill Road.

Local residents and traders are very concerned about the effect that a Tesco Express Store on the site would have on the independent traders of Mill Road. Councillor Ian Nimmo-Smith has written to the Office of Fair Trading asking for an urgent review by the Competition Commission.

Councillor Ian Nimmo-Smith commented:

"Tesco already has three supermarkets and three Express stores in Cambridge and has very few major rivals in the city. The addition of a Tesco store in Mill Road will further increase the company's dominance within Cambridge as well as risking seriously damaging the diverse and independent stores on Mill Road.

"I have asked for an urgent investigation by the Competition Commission into Tesco's proposed new store."

Richard Rippin from the No Mill Road Tesco Campaign said:

Cllr Ian Nimmo-Smith

"We're delighted that we have cross party support at the City Council and that Cllr Nimmo-Smith has taken the step of referring this matter to the OFT. The incredibly strong feeling among local people and local politicians gives us confidence that together we can keep Tesco's out and keep Mill Road special"