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Tesco work means a rocky ride to the shops

Mark Hesford
18/ 7/2008

DISRUPTION caused by the building of a supermarket in Crumpsall has left local disabled residents angry and in "tears of frustration."

The development of the new Tesco store on Thomas Street has resulted in the surrounding roads and pavements being dug up, leaving less able-bodied residents to struggle as they navigate around the area.

Eva Moffat, 69, of Brockton Walk, Cheetham - an Advertiser community correspondent - said: "I use a mobility scooter to go down to the shops in Cheetham Village, but I have to find a different route practically every time I leave the house.

"The roads and pavements are being dug up, while the drop pavements are blocked by vehicles. Pedestrians are expected to walk into the road, but most of the fenced-off paths are too narrow for a scooter and there are kerbs to negotiate without a ramp.

"As the new Tesco is not due to open until the end of 2008, disabled people are in for a very rocky ride for the next six months.

"If I want to go onto Cheetham Village or even the doctors at the end of Arlington Street I'm having to take a taxi and the round trip is costing me £5 a time.

"I would just like to be able to go out shopping again without ending up in tears of frustration."

Alan Lyon, of Ewing Close, Crumpsall also outlined the difficulties he faces every day because of the building works.

"At least a quarter of a mile around the street where I'm living, leading down to Cheetham Hill Road, there's no access points" he said. "There's taxi drivers taking up spaces, cars parked all along the road and it's all the result of the work on the Tesco site.

"It adds at least an extra mile to my journey because about three-quarters of a mile of the usual route I take has been taken out of the equation.

"Some of the footpaths and roads are a nightmare, but nobody seems to care. I use the wheelchair every day and it's just a real mess."

Crumpsall councillor Richard Leese said the disruption was an unfortunate symptom of a necessary process.

"They're completely right, whilst this building work is ongoing, it will be an inconvenience" he said. "It's a shame, but this work is important and it will all be worth it in the end.

"When it's finished, both Eva and Alan will be able to shop somewhere just around the corner from where they're living."