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A PETITION signed by almost 1,000 people, angry at the decision to open a new Tesco store in the centre of the Penarth, will go before Vale of Glamorgan Council chiefs tomorrow (May 2) - as soon as the votes have been counted in the local elections.

As previously reported in the Penarth Times, a spokesperson for the retailer confirmed an agreement has been made to lease the ground floor of the The Old Cinema on Herbert Terrace - where work to build 34 studio flats in the three upper floors has already started.

Tesco Express, a downscaled version of the company's larger supermarkets, will open in summer 2009.

But many locals have expressed their dismay at the threat posed by a multinational retailer to local businesses, and at the lack of parking in Herbert Terrace.

One retailer unhappy at Tesco's arrival is Neil Fox, owner of Foxy's Deli on Victoria Road.

Neil said: "Tesco has done this time and time again.

"There won't be any new money coming to Penarth just because Tesco Express is here.

"If someone wants to shop at Tesco and they're coming from, say, Dinas Powys, where are they more likely to go - Herbert Terrace with no parking, or the Marina with a massive car park?

"It'll be the same money already spent in the town, but spread over more retailers and I'm sure, as a result, there will be casualties.

"It's sad and disappointing," he added "Over the last five or so years Penarth has developed a good mix of independent retailers.

"Then Tesco come along.

"In the future there'll be less choice."

However some Penarth traders believe the supermarket's arrival will boost business in the town.

Richard Snell, owner of stationers and office supply store A.B.Snell & Son, on Stanwell Road, said: "I actually think there will be more customers in the town because of Tesco.

"Other shops will have to realign just as we did when Woolworths and Boots started selling newspapers.

"But for Penarth to thrive, it has to have busy shops.

"And because of the size of that building (ground floor of the The Old Cinema) it could only be taken by a multinational.

"I think cautiously optimistic' is the best way to describe how I feel about Tesco's arrival.

"At least it's not another charity shop or estate agent coming to Penarth."

8:13am Thursday 1st May 2008

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