Housing association seeks legal advice as Clapton Tesco opens

Tesco Express opened today on Lower Clapton Road E5. Photo: Emily Webber

Whilst Tesco Express on Lower Clapton Road opened its doors for the first time today, residents of Alva and Shire Courts living above and behind the shop have been told by their housing association, Family Mosaic, that it is seeking legal advice.

In a letter dated today, 11 February 2011, and posted on a noticeboard inside the block at 144-146 Lower Clapton Road, it states: “Family Mosaic is still formally concluding all legal matters.”

In May last year, local campaigners staged a demonstration in opposition to plans to open the new store which, they argued, would cause disruption for those who live nearby and harm local shops. They also collected nearly 500 signatures on a petition to the council to reject the plans.

Update 2pm Tuesday 15 February 2011:

Whilst a Tesco spokesperson would not confirm or deny whether the legal paperwork had been completed before the opening of the store, both Tesco and Family Mosaic have told the Citizen that the legal paperwork for the store is now complete.

A spokesperson for Tesco said: “As a company we would not comment on negotiations and agreements with landowners or agents as these are confidential. All the planning consents and legal paperwork is completed. The store is extremely popular and the feedback we have received from customers has been excellent with people queuing to get in on opening morning.  We look forward to becoming part of the community and serving local people.”

A spokesperson for Family Mosaic said: “I can confirm the paperwork is now complete. Tesco did commence trading before we expected them to and we are now working with Tesco and, most importantly, our residents to ensure they don’t experience any further inconvenience.”