I write in dismay that yet another opportunity to regenerate Hadleigh town centre is being wasted.
The Echo reported that the old Woolworths store is to become a Costcutter supermarket selling alcohol (July 1).
Hadleigh is being over run by supermarkets. We already have Morrisons, Lidl and Iceland, plus an off licence, another off licence within a mile, and we have Sainsburys within two miles.
While I accept it is better to have shops in use rather than empty, this means the loss of a potential unit that could bring something new to Hadleigh. Even a 99p store or a pound shop would be better than this.
Hadleigh is dying, and needs a range of shops, not to become a supermarket village.
There is already a problem with youths and drink in the area and this will make the situation worse, as well as further kill trade for the remaining small shops.
This plan must be opposed, and we must ask our council officers and councillors to listen to the residents and not just agree because it will put more money in the coffers.
It should be noted that Morrisons is developing a new store adjacent to the old one, and this will be open for similar hours to the proposal for Costcutter. How can the area support yet another supermarket?
I appeal to those involved to listen to the residents and to those who will have to agree the application to listen.
If you are against the proposal, make your feelings known to your councillors If they do not listen, then be prepared for the inevitable problems which will arise due to more youths gathering.
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