The revised application submitted by Tesco is currently under review and the council’s planning committee will make a decision on Thursday this week. Liam is seeking to explore every avenue to prevent the store being built against the wishes of the overwhelming majority of local residents.

In his letter to Ruth Kelly, Liam wrote:

“The site the City Council plan to sell to Tesco is at the heart of my constituency and concerns some of the finest playing fields in East Birmingham. There are a huge list of concerns which the residents have locally, not least the appalling impact on the local traffic situation which it appears Tesco, in their application, have not addressed.”

Local campaigners plan to demonstrate against approval of the site to show yet again the strength of local feeling.

Liam said:

“The people of Hodge Hill don’t want Tesco at the Fox and Goose. Just seven letters were received in support compared to over 100 letters sent to the council in opposition – and this was just in relation to the measly amendments. The initial application had over 750 letters objecting.”

He added:

“I look forward to hearing back from Ruth Kelly soon so that we can continue our campaign to fight for our playing fields.