Supermarket plan 'threatens livelihoods'

Daniel Cooper is worried for his fellow shop owners as an eviction deadline looms

A store owner says livelihoods will be lost if a row of shops is replaced by a new supermarket.

Four businesses on Lakes Parade in Hawcoat, Barrow, were given eviction notices in the summer after plans were submitted for a Tesco Express to be built where six units currently stand.

West Midlands based LCP Property Investments said the new store would "generate additional employment opportunities for local people", but Daniel Cooper, owner of neighbouring Lakes Parade convenience store which is not under threat, said: "Businesses are still wanted here and they want to be here."

Westmorland and Furness Council is consulting on the plans which more than 1,500 people have signed a petition against.

The affected shops, which sit opposite Furness General Hospital and were previously given notice to leave by 19 December, are the salon Flair Hair Fashions, Grange Bakery, Lakes Parade Laundry and Dave New Tours.

Mr Cooper's shop, along with the local post office, will not be closed as part of the plans.

A petition has been set up to help save the shops from closure

LCP Property Investments said two of the units are already vacant and others are approaching the end of their lease.

In documents supporting the plans, which are yet to be approved, the developers said they are unlikely to find new tenants for individual units.

They also said the redevelopment would provide "long-term improvements to neighbourhood schemes" and create local jobs.

But Mr Cooper said he has had "numerous people" ask him about the empty units.

"A lot of people we speak to don't want a big national chain here, we would rather have shops that are supporting people locally," he said.

"You're talking about people's livelihoods and people's jobs here and that should be at the forefront, not money, greed."

Labour's Michelle Scrogham, MP for Barrow, said the plans will "ruin the entire character of a suburb" and has invited residents and affected businesses owners to a community meeting to discuss the future of Lakes Parade.

She said: "Their loss would be a devastating blow to the area and to the small business owners who have invested so much in serving their community."

The developer said affected tenants "will receive full compensation in accordance with legislation".

A spokesperson for the landlord said: "We recognise the important role local businesses play in the community.

"At the same time, we believe in investing in long-term improvements to neighbourhood schemes.

"This redevelopment will create a contemporary retail environment and generate additional employment opportunities for local people, delivering benefits for residents and the wider community for years to come."