Out-of-town stores a big threat to traders

Further expansion of out-of-town supermarkets in Shrewsbury should be stopped to prevent independent traders being damaged, a major new report has claimed.

The study by the Campaign to Protect Rural England says that its local food shops 'could be undermined by further expansion of supermarket chains'. A?number of out-of-town stores have been built in recent years.

It says independent food stores and suppliers in the area support more than 900 jobs and bring in £24 million a year to the local economy.

It comes shortly after plans were submitted for a new Waitrose supermarket in Oteley Road and follows the recently-approved expansions of the Tesco Extra and Sainsbury's stores.

"Shropshire Council should ensure strong and effective local planning policies are in place to prevent further expansion of food superstores from damaging the range of shops in the town centre and worsening access to essential local food stores," the report says.

The report adds that supermarket expansion is a 'continuing threat' to retail diversity in Shrewsbury.

"Excessively large stores – more so when out-of-centre – can make smaller stores unviable, particularly in times of recession.

"Because of the interdependency of local businesses in food webs, loss of smaller and independent outlets can affect clusters of other shops and businesses," it said.

Des Walker, co-owner of Pomona Grocery in Castle Gates, said: "If we were to get a large Waitrose outside the town centre that would be damaging for businesses like ourselves.

"We rely on there being a smaller Waitrose and Marks & Spencer in the town centre as people want to come into a shop like ours to get more specialist things.

"Shrewsbury has a unique blend of independent retailers. If you want to go the way of Telford and Wellington, one way is to build more and more on the edge of town."