Traffic fears over supermarket bid

This is the view of some of those who will be affected if proposals to build the supermarket right next to the Rugby Tavern pub on the Rugby Road are approved.

The plans also include a new parking area to the rear of the pub, but Ricky Jhuti, whose family owns Bargain Booze off-licence across the road, said the extra traffic created by the supermarket would cause chaos at the busiest times for businesses.

Mr Jhuti said: “If you think that we already have us, a fish and chip shop, a pub and other businesses on this busy road, and then a supermarket is put there, it’s going to increase the risk of accidents and parking will be more difficult as well, especially on a Friday or Saturday night when all of those businesses are at their busiest.”

Mr Jhuti said he was not concerned about losing customers to Sainsbury’s and that the supermarket could actually bring more people to the area.

But he added: “Other businesses could see a knock-on effect. The newsagent that used to be here closed down and is now a hairdressers and the Lifestyle Express in Cubbington is now a cafe.

Warwickshire county councillor Sarah Boad (Lib Dem, Leamington North) said she is relieved the plans do not involve the demolition of the pub, which she said is popular and an asset to the community with its play area for children.

But she said she was also concerned about traffic and noise.

Cllr Boad said: “I’ve spoken to people living nearby and the further away from the site you go the more supportive people are about the idea.

“But for those living in West View Road, it would back right onto some of them.

“The north of Leamington is not particularly well served by supermarkets but competition will be fierce with Tesco close by.

“If you look at Crown Way though, those shops have survived because they attract different customers to Tesco.

“But I am concerned about the traffic and the noise this store could create.”