AN OXFORD shopkeeper branded supermarket giant Tesco “the number one bully in the UK” at a public inquiry yesterday.
The company wants to build a Tesco Express shop on the site of the former Friar pub, in Old Marston Road, Marston.
The plan has twice been rejected by Oxford City Council, but the decision is now in the hands of a planning inspector after Tesco lodged an appeal.
One of residents’ main fears is the loss of business at the nearby Costcutter shop, which could sound the death knell for the area’s post office inside.
Sub-postmaster Sivanesarajah Pakeerathan said: “Tesco is the number one bully in the UK at the moment. They undermine local needs.”
Mick Haines, who has led the anti-Tesco campaign, told the inquiry at Oxford Town Hall: “The post office is a very important part of the community.
“It is well used by the people and it’s especially important to keep it, as it’s the only one left in Marston.”
The inquiry will resume for one day on Friday, May 20, because hearing evidence has taken longer than expected. Planning inspector Andrew Pykett will then make his decision.
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