Wordsley pub neighbours unite against Co-op store
'This is not wanted' - that's the message from people living near a pub in Wordsley which is earmarked to have a Co-op store built on its car park.
Residents fear the new shop will cause increased traffic and they are worried about pedestrian safety.
Tensions were high as more than 50 locals attended the final meeting to air objections against plans for the Co-op to be built beside The Ashwood Inn pub in Sandringham Place before a final decision is made next week.
Councillor Paul Brothwood who led the meeting at Wordsley Community Centre said he would do his utmost to represent their concerns.
He said: "The building is unsightly and will not fit in. There are already three empty shops opposite and a convenience store.
"Co-op need to listen to the views of people who are adamant this is not wanted.
"I have not had any calls saying that there is support for this locally, everyone has made it very clear, and at the end of the day it will ultimately cost the Co-op.
"Wordsley is extremely busy as it is, and this is going to add more traffic and possible health and safety problems with schools and residential housing nearby.
"Local residents have already had enough to put up with including the empty shops opposite and now they've been stung with this too.
"Therefore I am determined to do everything I can to stop this build."
Developers, New River Retail submitted the plans.
Concerned resident, Marcia Francine, aged 43, said: "If they build this store it will cause a huge amount of problems.
"The increased traffic with deliveries and people coming and going could be a huge hazard for the nearby schools.
"It's just the wider picture that these developers need to think about."
However, The Ashwood Inn Landlord, Chris Miller, who was not present at the meeting, said he supported the build as it would secure the future of the pub.
"I'm pro Co-op coming here as it will keep the pub open, maybe give us more trade and reduce our water rates too," he said.
New River Retail spokesman, Martin Hughes, said: "Our proposal is recognised by Dudley Council planning officers as having positive impacts in terms of investment, regeneration and on the character of the local area.
"The proposal represents £1 million of investment and it will create 20 new jobs and training opportunities for local people. We have been pleased to meet with local residents on this scheme and have explained that the majority of customers will visit the store by foot and are likely to live within a 500m radius of the site.
"The Council's highways officers have concluded that there is sufficient parking and that there will be no unacceptable increases in traffic."
