Co-op vote

North Harris community votes over supermarket row 27/3/14

Residents in Harris are voting over allowing a supermarket chain onto the island.

Though a new food store planned by the Co-op for Tarbert would create new jobs there are fears it would result in closure for existing businesses.

North Harris Trustt has set up a postal ballot to consult with residents over the plans.

Ballot slips should be handed in at the Tarbert council offices by today’s (Thurs) 4pm deadline.

A public count takes place in Tarbert hall at 7.30pm tonight.

The Co-op has six stores serving the different islands within the Western Isles - Harris is the only place without one.

Tesco is also making inroads into Harris - even without a bricks and mortar store - with large demand south of the Chlisam for its internet grocery service.

A spokesperson for the Co-operative Food said: “Like any major retailer, The Co-operative is always looking for opportunities to acquire new sites and to grow its business.

“We have had some preliminary discussions with the North Harris Trust about the possibility of opening a store in Tarbert, but these are at a very early stage and no decisions have been taken.”