Dozens rally in protest to save Tesco superstore

Tesco Kirkcaldy is closing with 189 jobs at risk. Picture: Editorial

The “have a heart, don’t break ours” protest was hosted by Fife Council and took place outside the Town House.

The supermarket giant announced last month that Kirkcaldy’s Tesco superstore will close, affecting 189 posts, as part of 43 store closures across the UK.

A Homeplus store in Edinburgh, a Tesco Metro in Grangemouth and an Express shop in Troon will also cease trading, with 326 positions affected in total.

Campaigners are urging Tesco to change their minds about the Fife store, which also contains a Post Office.

Fife Council leader David Ross said: “We need to show Tesco that their Kirkcaldy store isn’t just another supermarket: it’s a hub for a lot of vulnerable members of the local community.

“We understand the difficulties Tesco are facing and want to work with them to try to find a solution that suits everyone.”

Between 30 and 40 people took part in today’s rally.

• Tesco closing four Scots stores employing 326 people

Local MP Gordon Brown will meet Tesco chief Dave Lewis on Monday to discuss the proposed closure.

The former prime minister said he would present new financial information which he hoped would raise the stakes and persuade Tesco to change their mind.

Announcing the meeting yesterday he said: “I have put new financial figures to Tesco suggesting that there is a case for reconsideration. Not just because the post office is central to Kirkcaldy but also because I believe they can adopt a cost-effective plan by staying.

“I have suggested to Mr Lewis that we could negotiate rent from the owner of the site, Threadneedle Street, and that we could make the post office franchise more attractive to the company.

“What really concerns me is that if we create a hole in the high street by losing the biggest superstore in the town then all the other shops in the area will suffer.

“Council leader David Ross and Kirkcaldy Council have responded swiftly to this by helping to compile new dossier. We must keep Tesco at the heart of Kirkcaldy.”

Mr Ross said that today’s rally was about speaking up for the vulnerable members of the community, describing it as a “lifeline” for them.

He said: “As well as housing the Post Office and a cafe, Tesco Kirkcaldy is centrally located, next to the bus station, which means it’s easily accessible for anyone who relies on public transport. Public support is essential.

“If Tesco Kirkcaldy is to stay open people need to sign the petition, use social media and keep shopping in the store to show support for store staff.

“This will help drive our campaign forward and convince Tesco that keeping the Kirkcaldy store open is the right thing to do.”