Asda scraps night deliveries plan

Asda store in Shaw

CONTROVERSIAL plans for Asda in Shaw to take front door deliveries through the night have been scrapped by the supermarket giant after a wave of local criticism.

The 'Evening Chronicle' reported in February this year that the Greenfield Lane store put in an official request to Oldham Council's planning committee about a variation in delivery hours.

Changes would have allowed the store to accept deliveries through the front entrance before 6am and after 10pm Monday to Saturday, and before 9am and after 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

But the application was met by criticism from long-serving Shaw councillor, and former Oldham Council leader, Howard Sykes - with traffic and noise concerns expressed.

In a letter to Asda, he said: "The application means the customer entrance off Greenfield Lane actually gets used for commercial deliveries 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including bank holidays.

"The impact this will have on local residents will be massive - in terms of traffic, noise, light pollution and must be resisted."

Councillor Sykes formally requested the application be considered by the planning committee but Asda has now confirmed that they have withdrawn the plans.

An Asda spokesperson said: "Following discussions with council officers and in light of operational changes, the decision has been made to withdraw our planning application for amending delivery hours to our Shaw supercentre."

In a letter to local residents after Asda's announcement, Councillor Sykes said: "I have now received confirmation that ASDA have withdrawn their application for 24/7 deliveries in Shaw.

"This is fantastic news and I am more than happy with the outcome as I hope you are too."