Neil Wagner, holds a sign, protesting the closure of the Emperor Inn on Norwich Road in Ipswich for a Tesco along with other regular pub patrons.

Ipswich: Pub regulars’ protest over Tesco’s store bid

BY MAtt bunn Tuesday, February 12, 2013
12:48 PM

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save their pub from becoming a Tesco store have made their feelings known about the proposals by staging a protest.

Regulars at the Emperor Inn, in Norwich Road, stood outside the pub brandishing placards at the weekend, with the supermarket giant’s proposals due to go before planning chiefs tomorrow.

Community leaders and homeowners have raised objections in recent weeks with the impact on local shops one of the major concerns.

Rebecca Moss, one of the campaigners, said: “We have just got to keep battling on – we are determined not to lose it.

“We need to build up confidence in the abilities of people to fight this thing.”

Ms Moss also described the pub as a great meeting place for the community and has also been used by a number of groups including the Broomhill Trust.

Punch Taverns put the Emperor Inn on the market last year and Tesco has since taken on the lease.

The company does not need to apply for change of use but is seeking permission from the borough council to make minor alterations, an extension of the first floor and car parking provision.

Tesco wants to open the new store, a Tesco Express, this summer and estimates the shop would employ about 20 people.

A spokesman said: “In our experience, the stores provide a welcome lift to local shopping areas, bringing more people out to shop.

“We are always keen to meet local residents.”

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6 comments

Protest all you want it wont make a difference im afraid just look at the golden key, thouands of signatures against but still a supermarket is the next tennant. Its fixed because supermarkets have something to bribe the council with what we the public dont. Loads of MONEY.

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mr_tall

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
@ipswich man. It doesn't matter how few or how many regulars a pub has got if Punch Taverns owns it. All they're interested in is a quick cash injection. They'll happily dump even the most successful publican onto the street if there's enough money on offer. I suggest you read a copy of the latest edition of Suffolk Camra's free "Last Orders" magazine and acquaint yourself with the reality of the situation.

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beerlover

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
With Co-op a few doors down, and a Tesco Express less than a mile up Norwich towards Town Center, an Aldi again a mile up Norwich towards Whitehouse, and the ASDA Superstore 1.5 miles in Whitehouse, and a Morrisons about a mile away on Sproughton Road, why do we need this one? I definitely say NO to this Tesco.

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Paul

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
all the protests are a waste of time , because tesco knows it can do and get anything they want in this town , as no one in the council will say no to them , the only way to beat them is to boycott them , i will not step into a tesco for nothing ...

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gilson

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
So here we have two giant business entities Tesco and Punch Taverns deciding the future of the neighbourhood. Good luck to the protestors, if Tesco doesnt need Council approval for change of use I cannot imagine Tesco backing out voluntarily; they want total domination of shopping areas. There is a good Co-op and an independent bakers already on that stretch. Tesco always say they create jobs but how many are being lost by closure of the pub and how many more might be lost?

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Steve Blake

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
If the pub always had that may "regulars" then it would be strapped for cash and have to sell. Looks like alot of "hangers on" to get half famous

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Ipswich Man

Tuesday, February 12, 2013