MP's support pushes LibDem local shops petition over 800 signatures

11.52.05pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 29th Mar 2007

The Save Our Local Shops petition has now secured parliamentary support

On a visit to Marylebone today [Thursday 29th March] Liberal Democrat MP Lorely Burt became the 800th person to sign the Westminster LibDems' petition to save local independent shops.

The party's petition aims to stop the development of a new Tesco on the corner of Lisson Grove and Hayes Place, which local LibDems and residents fear may threaten the future of local independent shops.

Martin Thompson, the LibDem who is leading the campaign, said:

"Today's milestone - 800 signatures - along with the support of the Liberal Democrat small businesses spokesperson should send a clear message. Of course there is a place for Tesco and all the other big supermarket chains, but there must also be room for independent shops. This would be the umpteenth supermarket in our area, and enough is enough.

"It is the independent shops that not only give people greater choice and our streets a local flavour but are the lifeblood of our communities.

"As people know, I am a local resident myself. I live a stone's throw from the proposed site. I don't want to live in Tescoland, and my neighbours tell me they don't want that either."

The MP added, "I am most concerned about the proliferation of small Tesco shops. They are popping up all over London like unwelcome weeds choking the life out of independent local shops."

The petition, which will shortly be presented to Tesco and to Westminster Council, is available to sign online at http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/saveourlocalshops