Islington Green Party stands right behind the campaign from local residents and shopkeepers to stop a supermarket taking over the former police station on Blackstock Road. Make no mistake – research shows that supermarkets do not bring jobs into an area. On the contrary, they destroy them, automated service areas being just one reason. They also don’t use local services like decorators and accountants.
These small ‘local’ supermarkets are not actually that profitable but the big players are following the strategy employed across the pond by Walmart, to achieve total dominance in all areas and squeeze their competitors out. This strategy is being employed throughout London high streets and some even have 3 or 4 small supermarkets close together absolutely crushing all the local shops.
There is a tough battle ahead. Supermarkets advertise low prices but in reality they are often more expensive than our friendly local shops. With a concerted effort, it is possible to stall and even prevent this supermarket opening in the long term. It’s been achieved before. We will stand firm and call upon Islington council to back the local community in opposing the supermarket.