Lib Dems have patchy record on helping small shops

Published: 9:39 AM April 22, 2009 Updated: 1:26 PM October 14, 2020

I read with surprise a letter written by a well-know Lib Dem activist (Tories failing to deliver in battle with developers, H&H letters April 9). It attacked another party for their record attending the development control committee. The Lib Dems make a l

I read with surprise a letter written by a well-know Lib Dem activist (Tories failing to deliver in battle with developers, H&H letters April 9). It attacked another party for their record attending the development control committee.

The Lib Dems make a lot of noise about their record on planning and small shops. Their leaflets often claim that they stand up for small shops and oppose supermarkets moving in.

However, I'm afraid their record simply does not stand scrutiny. The truth is, the Lib Dems voted for a new Tesco store on Belsize Road last autumn. Moreover, the leader of the Camden Lib Dems is on record saying that he believes many people would welcome new Tesco stores in our neighbourhoods. These actions directly threaten the small independent local shops which we all want to see preserved.

What is especially shocking is that just a week before they voted for the new Tesco on Belsize Road, Lib Dems put out a leaflet saying: "We don't want the usual large chain stores moving in." This kind of hypocrisy is shocking.

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No doubt there is a diversity of views on whether Tesco taking over local streets area is a god thing or not (personally, I have very serious doubts indeed!). But one thing is clear on this issue: the Lib Dems say one thing in their electioneering leaflets when trying to grab our votes, and do completely another when it comes to actually taking action.

Giovanni Spinella