1st September 2008

Byrne Calls Time on Tesco Plan

Liam Byrne today demanded more time for residents to be consulted on Tesco’s plan to put a superstore on Brockhurst Playing Fields.

The MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill has battled against the supermarket giants since being elected in 2004. He was appalled when the corporation were granted outline planning permission to build on playing fields that are used by local youth for sports. Now he is shocked that residents have been given just one month to respond to detailed plans.

Liam said:

‘This is an outrageous attempt by the council to slip unpopular decisions past residents in August in the hope that no one will notice. In the interests of fairness I have demanded an extension of the consultancy process in order that all views can be heard.’

He went on to say:

‘I object to residents in inner city areas like ours being walked over by multi-million pound organisations. Local residents and traders have already been let down by Birmingham City Council’s sell out to Tesco, the least they can do is allow a real opportunity to have their say on the issues that will affect them.’