by Sam Smith
(De Montfort University student)
A new Leicestershire supermarket has been proclaimed a success after initial fears it would cause upset in the area.
At the beginning of October 2013, the new Tesco, located on the mini roundabout just off Main Street, was opened in Countesthorpe, despite the village already having a conveniently-placed Co-operative store just 50 yards away, but business has been thriving despite the rivalry.
Tesco shop worker Lucy Thomas, 22, from Countesthorpe, said: “Everybody in Countesthorpe felt close to the Co-operative because it has been around for so many years but we have been really happy with our business since we first opened.”
Countesthorpe, a small village in rural Leicestershire situated between South Wigston and Blaby, is known for its flower gardens and community spirit, which went against Tesco when the planning for the new supermarket was being discussed.
The Countesthorpe Parish Council were against Tesco building on the land which used to be the King William public house, another of the village’s most liked venues, but the multi-million pound Tesco company made a very valid argument for why they were needed in Countesthorpe as the village begins to branch out from its roots.
Ms Thomas added: “Countesthorpe is becoming more than just a small community village now, and soon there will be a new housing estate connecting us with Blaby town centre which will further open up opportunities for Countesthorpe residents.”
Tesco is now one of two small supermarkets in Countesthorpe village and plans to revamp the area further are exciting for those who live here, making the adjustment to more modern-style retail stores a lot easier to understand.
The Co-operative declined to comment on the situation.
