It’s great to see that the VentnorBlog forum traffic is picking up … you know, we’d never been sure that there really was a place for an online forum in a place like Ventnor, where most people know each other already and often see one another everyday.
However, as the traffic has been picking up, it’s been good to see that so too has the exchange of ideas and opinions.
If you’ve been following the blog since its beginning, you’ll know my views on Tesco and its plans for Ventnor. Sceptical might sum it up. Well, one forum member, Greenboy, recently wrote to Tesco to find out what they plan to do about the derelict building that they own on the High Street, opposite the Central car park. You know … they one that’s falling apart. He asked them when they planned to remove the eyesore and actually start building.
Their shocking news was that
“I have checked with the relevant department and have been advised that there are no plans to build a store at the moment.”
Come again?
Most of Ventnor thought that work was originally going to start in September, then October, oh and following that, January.
Now it appears that Tesco have no plans to build the store in Ventnor. Why then, you might ask, did they buy the building and seek planning permission?
My guess? As a back-up in case they find themselves having trouble developing the Ryde and Wootton stores – which as we see from the County Press today seems to be happening right now.
The whole thing really doesn’t surprise me. It’s further proof of the total lack on interest Tesco has in the communities they sell their ware to.
Personally I’m relieved to hear that they WON’T be opening a Tesco store in Ventnor, but what I do worry about now, is what they are going to do with the building.
Maybe Hose Rhodes and Dickson, who we understand is working with Tesco, have the answer?
It’s shabby state is not doing Ventnor any favours.
If you’re interested in taking it up with Tesco, Vinutha Vasanthram from the customer ‘service’ department said to contact [email protected]
quoting TES1626836X.
