“As a retailer in Port Talbot i do see the concerns, of many people. For the scheme to work successfully the links from the proposed site to the existing town need to be easily accessable with a link that looks like part of the integeral part of the town. Some one mentioned Asda I have heard inside rumblings that Asda do have a site in Port Talbot planned any one else heard ?”

“Totally agree with the comments about the electircal goods and the limited choice of retailers that sell them in PT. A new store with a wider choice of both groceries and 'white goods' will be a draw, yes, but customers dont have any choice at the moment and will still go out of town, or online, to buy what they need and spend their money in another town. I know I do and it's a shame, I'd rather spend locally, and the Council cant see this. The point about people only being able to driver there is not entirely true, however pedestrians would have to walk over the railway line as one possible route - footbridge over the line was taken down some time ago now and not replaced. Buses could easily change routes to accomodate also.
Every 'improvement' made in PT whether it be new road layouts / traffic management always ends up worse that what was being replaced.
Rant over but COME ON TESCO DONT GIVE UP ON PT :-)”

“To Justin:

Whenever I stroll down Station Road, I always think to myself "This street has got some soul. It would be a damn shame if some megacorporation came along and took it away".

Except, I don't. Fair enough if it was a charming little town to start with, but no offence, out of PT's many qualities, charm is not one of them.”

“At the moment, trying to get through that part of Port Talbot in the morning (especially Saturday) is an absolute nightmare.

Moving it to what is effectively the other end of Station Road and taking advantage of the new docks roads the council have put in makes so much more sense.

Port Talbot town centre died in the 70s, the irony being it was the council that knocked it down and not the Luftwaffe! (that leveled most of Swansea).

It's creating jobs, makes things more convenient and is not exactly ruining the surroundings. There are no negatives to this move.”

“Lets not fool ourselves Tescos is a part of the problem, The biggest is the inexplicable greed by councils levying rates far beyond the ability to pay by shop owners. This is a excercise we are seeing around the country, Double yellow lines and minimal parking space makes Tescos a kind of cherry on the cake. If you can imagine a high street made up of local businesses with local people you usually get a charming result. Tescos will give 300 jobs and take the soul away one you see the other disappears like it never did exists. Its true maybe it is too late to protest but It is suspicious when people with the gift of thought use their understanding like a PR generator.”

“Please don't make me laugh! Port Talbot IS a ghost town and has been for years. How in god's name, do they think that Tesco's is going to hammer the last nail in coffin? the councillors done that a long, long time ago. The problem with our prehistoric councillors is they are frightened of change, and they haven't a clue! let the customer's do the talking, before they start walking!! or otherwise we won't have a town left at all!!”

“if the council are not carful tesco will shut up shop and walk away. They have done research saying that people go to other tescos outside the area. I personally do not see why traders in the town are moaning.If nothing is done then it is the traders themselves who will suffer.

Another point is if it is going to be an extra store they will have more non food items such as TVs, dvd player, mp3 players etc and at the moment there is nothing except Argos and Bailys who sell electrical items.

Sort out this much needed store. the current store is in aright wreck.”

“I think ANY sort of new development has to be good for Port Talbot. The town has been suffering through lack of investment and yet - as soon as a new investment is promised - the planners turn it down.”

“Yet again an example of councillors listening to the vocal minority. People are always attacking Tesco - calling for boycotts etc etc and yet look how many people shop there.”

“Sorry Sean, but the retail world does not operate the way you suggest. Try asking Tesco what would be their reaction if ASDA wanted to set up nearby. When it comes to selfish motives, the large supermarket retailers are in a class of theoir own.”