SMALLWOOD protesters are stepping up their Asda campaign, claiming the superstore’s signage leaves them ‘blinded’ and is a ‘hazard to their health’.
Members of Smallwood Residents Association (SRA) hit out at the chain’s bosses following plans to extend the 40,000 square foot superstore’s opening times in January.
Earlier this month The Standard reported how Asda bosses, who originally applied for 24 hours a day trading at the Jinnah Road site, had amended their application to opening between 6am and midnight.
The amendment would see an additional four hours to the store’s daily trade.
But the SRA, who wrote to Asda chief executive Andy Clarke following the original 24 hour application urging him to ‘do the decent neighbourly thing’ and withdraw the application, say the new proposals are not good enough and are voicing concerns over the store’s lighting and signage.
One resident said the stream of ‘awful green light’ means his grandson’s bedroom is ‘floodlit green’ while ‘blinded’ neighbours on Millsborough Road have to deal with illuminated bedrooms and conservatories.
In a letter to Asda bosses, the SRA wrote ‘the illuminations are too bright, are a nuisance and constitute a hazard to residents’ wellbeing.’
Along with the lights being ‘irritating and distressing’ the SRA claims switching off the signage would make ‘financial sense’.
An Asda spokesperson said: “Through our ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders we continue to discuss the operation of our store.
“We are delighted with the positive feedback we have received from the wider community and our customers relating to the store and maintain our offer to meet and discuss any matters local residents may have.”
