Town’s dismay at ‘really unfair’ Tesco closure

Tesco Metro, London Road North in Lowestoft. Picture: Greta Levy (Image: Archant)

Lowestoft mother Debbie Barnes said she "will be forced to go online" after the store on London Road North shuts its doors permanently on September 28.

The 33-year-old said: "I go into Tesco to buy my fresh fruit and meat and it is in my budget for my household.

"Now I am going to have to shop online or go to Iceland because that is in my budget."

She said the closure is "really unfair" as a lot of people who live in the town centre don't own cars or drive.

"This is our proper store - this isn't a Metro to us. Everyone tells us to shop local, but no one does anything to help us," she said.

Jacquelyn Allsop, 60, from Lowestoft said her neighbours "were floored" by the news the store was closing next month.

"I live on my own and I am lucky to have a support network in the area, but there are some people out there who use that time at the Tesco to be social.

"Lowestoft town centre is woefully short of greengrocers, butchers and supermarkets I hope our MP will consider this when trying to fill another gaping void left but yet another departing retailer," Mrs Allsop said.

Jill Baker, who is also from the town, said: "What will they put in for its place, another charity store or another vape shop?

"Let's face it - this town is dead, it is not really surprising Tesco is closing down," she said.

On Thursday (August 1), a Tesco spokesman said: "We have today announced to colleagues that we have taken the difficult decision to close our Lowestoft Metro store on London Road North.

"Our priority now is to explain what this announcement means for our colleagues and wherever possible, offer them alternative roles with Tesco.

"We would like to thank all our customers who have shopped in our store and we will continue to do our best to serve them through our other local stores, including our superstore on Leisure Way."