What Choice for Bradley Stoke?

12.54.55pm GMT Wed 1st Nov 2006

Local residents have raised their concerns about the closure of the local Somerfield Store in Bradley Stoke. Many local people walk to the store on Bradley Stoke Way and the closure is of great concern to them.

Bradley Stoke Liberal Democrat Councillor Jon Williams is deeply worried about the closure and what it will mean for local people.

"I have written to the Chief Executive of Somerfield group asking for as much information as possible about the future for the store. It is an essential resource for local people who will find it impossible to exercise any degree of choice in their weekly shop. I will continue to campaign for choice for local residents."

Local campaigner Emma Bone added that, "Not everyone has the luxury of a car to do their shopping and that can restrict choice. It is vital that local residents have as much purchasing power as possible to ensure fairness in their weekly expenditure."

The genuine shopping choice for people in Bradley Stoke is already much less than it should be: the closure of Somerfield will reduce this choice still further. In an age where we should be very conscious of the use of cars and encouraging walking and the use of public transport, the news about Somerfield should be taken as a heavy blow to our local community.