Mark Francois, the local MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, has welcomed the decision by Tesco to begin works to rectify the disruptive parking situation outside their store on London Road, in Rayleigh.
Mark has campaigned persistently, writing numerous letters to Phil Clarke, the Chief Executive of Tesco, in a campaign which he began in March 2012 - shortly after the store opened - to raise the concerns of his constituents. Many of which had contacted Mark to raise the issue of the haphazard and dangerous parking outside the store, as well as problems caused by Tesco’s own delivery lorries. In this effort Mark has also been supported by local Sweyne Park Ward councillors Joan Mockford and Toby Mountain.
Following Mr Francois’ most recent letter to the Chief Executive, Tesco have confirmed that, subject to local Council approval, they will purchase the existing grass area on the site and use it to extend the current car park, which will allow more space for shoppers at the busy convenience store.
With regards to the disruption caused by Tesco delivery vehicles, Tesco have consolidated deliveries so that only one delivery is required per day. This should improve the current congestion caused by multiple lorries travelling to and from the site each day.
Commenting on the developments, Mark Francois said:
“I have seen for myself the disruption that has been caused outside the store by inadequate parking provision and the nuisance it caused my constituents who lived close by, so I am delighted that, after 2 years of lobbying, Tesco have finally agreed to make the necessary improvements and expand the car park at their London Road site in Rayleigh.”