Call for action from Tesco over arson site

12.00.00am GMT Mon 8th Mar 2010

Cllr. Fenella Bowden wants Tesco to secure the site they own on Birchgrove Road following a recent arson attack.

Local councillor for Heath Ward, Fenella Bowden, is calling for Tesco to tighten security at the site of the former Majestic Wine Store in Birchgrove Road following a serious arson attack recently.

Emergency services were called to deal with the blaze during the evening and police officers had to close off the road. Tesco own the site, which was formerly a Majestic Wine warehouse. The supermarket chain had plans to establish a Tesco Extra at the location a few years ago but pulled out following resident opposition to the development.

Cllr. Bowden said: "This is not the first time that youths have gained entry to this building and caused damage. Residents have been very concerned by the lax security and I myself asked Tesco's agents to make the building secure before Christmas as youngsters were still getting into the building."

It is only thanks to the swift action of the emergency services that the fire was prevented from spreading to neighbouring properties. Cllr. Bowden will be contacting Tesco to get their commitment to secure the building.