The No Clapton Tesco Campaign

The store on Lower Clapton Road opened today (Friday 11th Feb), but this article over on the Hackney Citizen highlights information from the freeholders (Family Mosaic) that legal negotiations have not yet been completed for the store to commence trading.

Tesco Express opened today on Lower Clapton Road E5. Photo: Emily Webber

Whilst Tesco Express on Lower Clapton Road opened its doors for the first time today, residents of Alva and Shire Courts living above the shop have been told by their housing association, Family Mosaic, that it is seeking legal advice. The Citizen has asked Family Mosaic and Tesco for comment.

In May last year, local campaigners staged a demonstration in opposition to plans to open the new store which, they argued, would cause disruption for those who live nearby and harm local shops. They also collected nearly 500 signatures on a petition to the council to reject the plans.

A letter from Family Mosaic on the residents' noticeboard inside the block at 144-146 Lower Clapton Road

Update in the Hackney Citizen 2pm Tuesday 15 February 2011:

A spokesperson for Tesco said: “As a company we would not comment on negotiations and agreements with landowners or agents as these are confidential. All the planning consents and legal paperwork is completed. The store is extremely popular and the feedback we have received from customers has been excellent with people queuing to get in on opening morning.  We look forward to becoming part of the community and serving local people.”

A spokesperson for Family Mosaic said: “I can confirm the paperwork is now complete. Tesco did commence trading before we expected them to and we are now working with Tesco and, most importantly, our residents to ensure they don’t experience any further inconvenience.”

From the Hackney Citizen

Update on Tuesday 15 February:

Letter sent by Family Mosaic to residents:

Further to our letter dated 10th February, we are writing to you to inform you that we are delighted to have reached agreement for Tesco to open a new “Express” store on the ground floor.

Unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding, and before the legal documentation was completed, Tesco actually opened last Friday, 11th February. We are aware that this has caused some update and annoyance to you all – especially as we had not written to you to notify you of the expected opening date. We sincerely apologise to you to this and for any upset caused. We were proposing to notify you of the opening of the store once we knew what the opening date would be after completion of legal documentation relating to the store.

In recognition of the premature opening and upset caused, we have obtained a contribution of £2,000  as a gesture and in recognition that the early opening has caused distress. We would like to spend the contribution for the benefits of all residents in this development.