Allison’s Eatery and Mix owners react to Bury St Edmunds Tesco Express plans

Residents and businesses on the Howard estate in Bury St Edmunds are continuing to share their views about the possibility of a Tesco Express store opening at a busy shopping precinct.

L&C Investments Ltd wants to make changes to three units at 1-3 St Olaves Precinct which would see the closure of a SPAR with Subway counter, St Edmunds Barbers and Jesse’s Kitchen.

Toby Saggers, asset manager at LCP, which owns and manages the retail parade in St Olaves Road, said: “We are very pleased to have agreed terms with Tesco.

“Not only will a bigger store offer a wider range of products, it will also support jobs too.”

Allison Knight, who runs vegan and vegetarian café Allison’s Eatery, said a Tesco Express potentially opening on the precinct has divided opinion in the community since the licensing notice went up.

She said: “I can see the benefits and the negative sides.”

Allison, who opened the café five years ago, said: “It is sad another multinational is coming in and taking away two independent businesses.

“It is a nice parade of shops, everyone is friendly and everyone gets on. I’d rather have the barbers and Jesse’s Kitchen stay and maybe a smaller Tesco Express.”

“Marham Park have been promised a shop so why don’t they put one there?” said Allison.

People she had spoken to on the estate said they were concerned about the proposed opening hours of the Tesco Express and litter it could bring to the area - something that Allison said already causes an issue.

Edyta Militowska, who works at Mix, an Eastern European food shop on the precinct, said she was surprised when she found out about the Tesco Express application on Facebook.

She said: “I was worried when I saw it, Tesco produce Polish products as well so people might go there for their products.”

Edyta, who lives on the estate, said her two sons have their hair cut at St Edmunds Barbers and the shop would be missed.

When asked for a comment, Tesco confirmed it was in the process of applying for a licence to operate at St Olaves Precinct.

The application was for the provision of late-night refreshment Monday to Sunday, 11pm to midnight and sale by retail of alcohol for consumption off the premises Monday to Sunday, 6am to midnight.