Tesco delivers pledge to cut noise (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Tesco delivers pledge to cut noise

10:40am Friday 4th February 2005 in Search By Sarah Woods

THE dispute in Kew over noisy deliveries to Tesco is a step closer to being resolved after the company agreed not to deliver at certain times.

Residents and councillors have been battling for Tesco to cut back on deliveries to the Station Parade store due to claims of excessive noise and road blocking.

Deliveries arriving between 4am and 11pm each day have been endured by those living nearby since Tesco took over the Europa site last year.

One resident, Libby Mitchell, who lives above the shop, said: "Tesco told the council there would be just one to two deliveries a day, this is just rubbish. I hope there is an improvement."

As a result of persistent action by Cllr Robin Jowit, the council and residents, at a meeting with the council, Tesco bosses have agreed not to deliver before 8.30am or after 7pm.

This will ensure residents are not disturbed at night and the school buses are not blocked.

The council is also investigating the possibility of a loading bay to ensure that the regular 391 bus service is not blocked.

Cllr Jowit is delighted with the outcome. He said: "It will improve safety for pupils that use buses.

"I sincerely hope Tesco will honour the agreement and reach the same agreement as other sites in the borough."

A spokesman for Tesco said the new delivery schedule would see bread delivered at 8.45am everyday, fresh food at 9am daily, groceries at 11am four days a week and milk at 6pm seven days a week.

"This represents a significant change from the previous situation when some deliveries to the store were taking place at 6am and occasionally even earlier.

"I sincerely hope that, as a result of these changes, the adverse effect on local residents is removed.

"I would thank local people for their patience to date in some difficult circumstances and express how pleased we are that working so closely with the council, on the back of local concerns, has resulted in a positive change."