A Tesco Express will open in Hazlemere by Market Parade tomorrow morning (February 25) and local residents and nearby businesses have reacted to the announcement.
There have been numerous concerns about parking for the shop with many residents worried customers parking just outside the shop.
Behind the store, a car park has been re-tarmacked with parking bays added but there is yet to be signage for this.
READ MORE: New Tesco Express to open this week in Hazlemere
Butcher, Richard Troutt of RS Troutt & Co is hopeful the opening will increase footfall to the area but did also have worries about parking.
He said: “At the moment you don’t know what to expect.
“Most of the residents around here are moaning about the parking.
“Notoriously you have little shops and everyone wants to drop their cars and run in.
“For business, it might be good because it might bring more footfall up here so you might be able to make more money there.
“On the other hand, they might take the bigger trade, you have to be positive about it really.”
Richard's biggest concerns, however, were for other local shops in Hazlemere such as the Little Waitrose and the Co-op who he believes could suffer most.
He added: “The ones who will suffer are the shops next door and the Waitrose across the road.
“It was bound to happen one day because it’s a great spot for a shop.
“I don’t see a problem with it, hopefully, it will be alright and it will bring more customers around here, and hopefully everyone around here will benefit
“I think local residents are worried about the parking most of all.”
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The shopkeeper at McColl's on Market Parade admitted he didn’t like the idea of the Tesco Express opening up next door but he was most alarmed about the parking.
He said: “We don’t like it but we can’t do anything about it.
“How is everyone going to park here.
“People don’t use the car park, they just park here.”
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Local residents also shared their concerns over the parking at the shop.
One resident said on Facebook: “I can see lots of people will just pull up just outside."
Another added: “Waiting to see how many customers insist on parking on the pavement, or in the bus stop opposite."
However many residents have shown excitement over Tesco coming to Hazlemere.
One resident commented on Facebook: “ I’m pleased about it. Was a supermarket many years ago. If you live near it you can walk to it as I will do so parking not an issue. “
Another added: “Can’t wait for it to open!”
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