BERATE message delivered across south Bristol

BERATE, the campaign group opposed to the proposed Tesco development at Ashton Gate, is this week getting its message out to over 10,000 homes in Ashton, Southville and Bedminster. A leaflet outlining BERATE's opposition to the development is being delivered across the Greater Bedminster area urging people to sign a petition against the giant superstore and asking them to write to the council and their local councillors.

The leaflet has a 'Tesno' poster on one side, which is beginning to appear in windows across the area. It also contains BERATE's three main reasons why it, and its supporters, think the superstore is a bad idea. These are:

• The area is already well supplied with supermarkets and a new giant superstore would have a detrimental effect on the small independent shops in the area.


• The development will increase traffic congestion, worsen air quality and make the streets around the area less safe.


• A large superstore on a giant car park is a poor use of the site. What the are needs is affordable housing and better community facilities.

Of course let's not forget the effect on the residents that live next to the proposed development which is likely to be a 24-7 store serviced by a flet of lorries. Not to mention a new petrol station.

You can sign the petition at several shops in North Street, or online at Bristol City Council's website. You can also voice your objections to our two ward councillors. Charlie Bolton, who has already made it quite clear he's opposed to this development (charles.bolton@bristol.gov.uk); and Sean Beynon who has yet to show his cards on this issue (sean.beynon@bristol.gov.uk). Let's hope Sean's Bristol City season ticket doesn't sway him from doing the right thing for his constituents?