The leader of Bristol City Council, Barbara Janke, and current MP for Bristol West, Stephen Williams, issued the following statement last night to be read out at the next PRSC/‘NO Tesco in Stokes Croft’ public meeting:
“We support your campaign for Stokes Croft to become a distinctive destination in Bristol. Yet another chain store doesn’t help achieve this aim. The planning process needs reform so local people can shape their communities. Supermarkets also need to be regulated. But we can’t just have a campaign against Tesco at this site. We need a viable alternative proposition. That is why we are tonight calling on local residents and businesses, social enterprises, architects and anyone else with an alternative vision for this site to come forward. We hope this competition will spark local imagination but also attract national interest. We want to work with the community to continue the transformation of Stokes Croft.”

Claire Milne, local resident and spokesperson for ‘NO Tesco in Stokes Croft’ said:
“So much has happened since the campaign started and it’s incredible to be able to read this out statement of support at our public meeting. It sends a strong signal that Bristol City Council is listening to what the majority of Stokes Croft want whilst also working towards their sustainability objectives. But the campaign doesn’t end here. We look forward to working with the Council to achieve an alternative vision for the site and give it the same level playing field it needs to succeed in the face of the growing dominance of supermarkets.”

Ken Hayes, local resident, said:
“This is the support the community has been waiting for from the people who represent them.”

Elisabeth Winkler, local resident, said:
“Now it’s up to us locals to create positive alternatives and we’re brimming with ideas.”

www.notescoinstokescroft.org.uk

www.tescopoly.org

www.prsc.org.uk