Tesco Finally Backs Down Over Evershed Site

Tesco has formerly announced today that they intend to make no further planning applications to build a store on the Evershed site (between London Road and Alma Road).

Local campaigners fought - and now appear to have won - a bitter battle over Tesco's plans for the site. Tesco recently made it known that they had acquired the former Woolworth's site in St. Peter's Street, fueling some speculation that their plans for the Evershed site had changed.

Anne Main, MP for St Albans,

said:

"I think that this is the best outcome for St Albans. I have always

maintained that the Eversheds site was unsuitable for such a massive

store and that the associated traffic would be extremely bad for

residents. I am pleased that Tesco have recognised this and chosen to

focus on the disused Woolworths site,  as this will bring an empty unit

back into use, and Tesco already has a presence in St Peters Street.

The issue now becomes what happens to the Eversheds site.  I think it

is important that a suitable use is found soon, preferably for a more

suitable mixed scheme so that London Road entrance loses the tatty,

derelict appearance and local residents have certainty over what is

happening. We have a great opportunity to put something worthwhile on

the site which could enhance the city, and I am pleased that Tesco have

finally listened to the people of St Albans."