Tesco divides opinion: poll

Opinion is still divided on the Tesco development which is set to change the face of Welshpool forever, according to the mywelshpool poll.

Almost 300 people voted, and while 69% are in favour of the multi-million pound construction operation currently taking shape on the Old Smithfield site, 28% said they are against it. Only 3% said it wont change the town.

In that 69% in favour, 27% expressed concern that the development will impact on the town centre, leaving 42% saying they have no doubt that Tesco will be good for Welshpool.

Tesco is keen to avoid the public relations nightmare it has endured in Newtown, which has been met with a lot of discontent from its residents due to the problems with the new road system. And Tesco’s popularity visibly dipped on the poll when mywelshpool announced last week that delays over the one-way system meant the store would not now open until next year.

Nevertheless, the results have been welcomed by the supermarket giants who believe the development will benefit Welshpool as a whole.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “Like the vast majority of people who took part in the poll, we firmly believe that Welshpool will benefit from a Tesco store that will offer a wide range of products at prices to satisfy different shoppers’ needs. We are also confident that our plans will help invigorate the town centre by attracting more shoppers, improving the flow of traffic and creating nearly 300 jobs for local people.”

Please take part in today’s poll and have your say: