BERATE launches anti-superstore film

Local documentary film maker, Lucy Swingler, has produced a new film that documents the campaign to prevent the building of a giant Tesco Extra superstore at Ashton Gate Stadium.

You can watch the film now on YouTube.

During the 10 minute film, local residents and shop keepers in North Street, Southville, describe the history of the street, their shops and the area, and explain why its such a great community to be part of. They also explain why they don't want the new superstore at the stadium site and what they would like to see there instead.

Lucy, who has worked on a range of historical and factual programmes says that she was motivated to create the film after talking to shop keepers about their worries over the store. She says: 'I use the North Street shops a lot, so I wanted to show the real fear that some have that a store will put their livelihoods at risk and jeopardise the regeneration that's taken place here. I also wanted to capture the central role that North Street now plays in the community.'

The film will be shown publicly for the first time at the meeting arranged for tomorrow night at St.Francis's Church on North Street (7.30pm). Local politicians, councillors and members of the city's planning committee, as well as a representative from Bristol City Football Club and local community groups have been invited to come along to discuss the proposed store and see the film.

Chris Uttley, speaking for the campaign said: 'We hope the film will be viewed as part of our submission to the planning application. Hopefully it demonstrates to the council and others the human face behind the damage that we believe the store will do to our community and why we value what we have now a great deal.'