Leading Bristol Lib Dems Back Anti-Tesco Campaigners

5.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 4th May 2010

Bristol City Council Leader Councillor Barbara Janke and Bristol West Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Williams have given their backing to local people fighting plans for a new Tesco in Stokes Croft.

Barbara and Stephen have met with campaigners to discuss both how planning law needs a fundamental reform and how supermarkets should be regulated. they have also agreed that over the last few years much progress has been made in turning Stokes Croft into a unique destination in Bristol. They have launched a plea for ideas for alternative uses of the site from businesses, social enterprises, architects or anyone else with an alternative vision.

In addition, they wrote to Tesco and asked them to engage with the local community and their political representatives. A meeting has now been agreed for Monday 24th May at the Council House.

Stephen Williams says, "It is important that local communities are given a real say in shaping the development of their area. As the former MP for Bristol West I saw it as a key part of my role to bring people together. If re-elected I will certainly continue to work for the improvement of Stokes Croft, so that it becomes a vibrant and attractive gateway into the city centre and also serve the local community."