Kirkcaldy locals turn out en-force to oppose plans to shut local supermarket
For years Tesco has been blamed for causing the demise of the local high street – as well as being the perpetrator of so called “brutalist” architecture where giant shed-like structures dominate townscapes.
Now, ironically, a community is protesting against the company’s demise – with dozens of locals holding a rally in a bid to persuade the retail giant to rethink closing its Kirkcaldy superstore.
The Valentines Day "Tesco Have a Heart" protest took place in the town's square at the weekend.
Tesco announced last month that the store, which employs 189 people, would be among four Scottish stores to shut.
The others are in Edinburgh, Troon and Grangemouth, with Kirkcaldy the biggest of the four.
The move by Tesco, which would see the Kirkcaldy store close in April, was part of UK-wide plans to reduce costs.
Shutting the Kirkcaldy store would also mean the closure of the town's post office, which is based within the supermarket.
Campaigners are urging Tesco boss Dave Lewis to consider a £750,000 rescue plan that has been drawn up by the council and local MP Gordon Brown.
For Sam Pearson, one of the protesters, people might not like Tesco but for a small town it provides a “lifeline” he says.
“They may have hoovered up the competition but if Tesco goes then we’re left with a big hole," he said.
“We’ll have no post office and we won’t be able to get the range of goods locally. People will need to travel to other towns and for older people that’s not possible."
Council leader David Ross said: "Today's rally is about speaking up for the vulnerable members of the community who really don't want to see it close.
"Tesco Kirkcaldy is more than just a town centre supermarket - for them it's a lifeline.
"If Tesco Kirkcaldy is to stay open people need to sign the petition, use social media and keep shopping in the store to show support for store staff.
"This will help drive our campaign forward and convince Tesco that keeping the Kirkcaldy store open is the right thing to do."
Gordon Brown is due to meet Dave Lewis in London on 23 February to discuss the rescue plan.
The former prime minister said he had put new financial figures to Tesco which suggested there was a case for reconsideration
He added: "What really concerns me is that if we create a hole in the high street by losing the biggest superstore in the town then all the other shops in the area will suffer."
