Quote:
Supermarket giant under pressure over derelict site
Published: 04/10/2010 10:45
Press & Journal, Aberdeen
Tesco is coming under pressure to address safety concerns about the derelict site of its proposed new supermarket in Thurso.
A community representative claims that the use of the ground as a shortcut by local school pupils could result in a serious accident.
Thurso Community Council vice-chairman Bert Macleod also alleged that the retail giant is "land-banking" to prevent other supermarkets developing the former auction mart site, off Ormlie Road.
In August last year, Tesco was given detailed planning consent for the 25,000sq ft store and four pump petrol station. But construction has not yet started.
Mr Macleod said: "I firmly believe that they have no intention of doing anything with the site. They have got the land and nobody else can do anything with it. We, however, are concerned about the state that the site has been left in. It needs to be tidied up and made safe as a matter of priority."
Apart from being an eyesore, he said, its regular use by school pupils was a major concern.
He said: "There are droves of kids going through the site and past the station when cars and taxis are reversing and manoeuvring. It's an accident waiting to happen."
The community council is making a further approach to Tesco to press for action.
Local Highland councillors are, meanwhile, to make a fresh bid to get a timetable from Tesco about its plans for the site.
Thurso member John Rosie said: "The site is a disgrace. It's full of weeds and the house in it is becoming dilapidated and a target for vandals.
"It's totally unacceptable, and we want to know what their plans are."
Council colleague Donnie Mackay claims Tesco should compensate the community in some form for the condition the site has been left in.
"They should offer to provide, say a local playpark, for the mess they have left the site in," he said.
The site has lain derelict since the mart closed four years ago.
No one from Tesco was yesterday available for comment.