Firm claims support for Tesco Town

Retail giant Tesco today claimed local people were in favour of its plans for a massive development in the West End, Glasgow. A public outcry followed the supermarket giant's announcement that it planned to build a store, flats and an underground car park on a derelict piece of land at the foot of Byres Road. The scheme was branded "Tesco Town" and the local councillor likened the development to a "Soviet-era high-rise monolith". However, following a public consultation exercise, Tesco claims around 80% of local people are now behind the plan. Nick Gellatly, the company's corporate affairs manager, said: "An overwhelming majority of local people clearly recognise the regeneration benefits the development will bring. We are delighted with the level of support that has been shown." Mr Gellatly said that, after the initial controversy, the firm watered down its proposals and produced a revised plan. He added: "The revisions which we have recently submitted have proven popular with members of the local community. "A great deal of work has gone into improving our original plans and we are sure this has contributed to the high level of support. "Many of the issues originally raised in relation to the initial application have been addressed." But a community leader said he couldn't understand how the firm had arrived at its figure of 80% support. Jim McNeill, chairman of Partick Community Council, said there had been 750 objections to the plan and the general feeling in Partick was one of "overwhelming opposition". He said the design of the new store was ugly, and said there would be huge transport problems with up to 600 cars an hour arriving there. Mr McNeill added: "Everyone I have spoken to is against this, I have not met anyone who has anything complimentary to say about it." The company's claim of 80% support is based on the submission of postal feedback forms.