Store plans in Ulverston divide opinion
Last updated at 10:05, Tuesday, 08 January 2013
THE supermarket debate has left Ulverston residents deeply divided, with plans for a Sainsbury’s splitting opinion while people are still confused by the Robinsons proposals.
Following the announcement Cumbria County Council has backed plans for a supermarket at the Robinsons brewery site over the Sainsbury’s application, the Evening Mail asked local shoppers for their views.
There appears to be no clear consensus opinion, although a number of residents are unclear over exactly what Robinsons hopes to do on the Brewery Street site.
Kayleigh Mills, of Tower Street, said she was divided on the issue but not driving means she has to get a lift to Asda in Barrow and a new supermarket would make life easier.
The 23-year-old added: “I think it has been totally blown out of proportion.
“Robinsons would be better for me but there are other reasons why Sainsbury’s would be good.”
However, other shoppers claimed a supermarket would kill off town centre shops.
Mike Roscoe, 71, is a regular shopper in Ulverston and suggested the allure of the Sainsbury’s brand may make it the lesser of two evils.
One shopper, who did not want to be named, travels all the way to Morecambe in order to shop at Sainsbury’s.
However Mr Roscoe, from Lindale, added: “They all just want a share of the market. The big cities can take it but for the small places it could be the death knell.”
Helen Shacklady, who runs the indoor market stall The Book Shack, said: “In general I don’t like supermarkets because they suck money out of local economies.”
Some shoppers were more apathetic, and said they would be happy whatever the outcome.
Chris Owens, of Springfield Way, said he was concerned about the impact any decision may have on smaller shops in Ulverston.
However, the 40-year-old added: “I am not particularly bothered either way.”
And several shoppers were largely unaware of the nature of the Robinsons plans, which re-emerged at the end of last year.
Little has been heard from Robinsons since unveiling revised designs at the Coronation Hall, although a new planning application is expected in the next few weeks.
First published at 13:14, Sunday, 06 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
I say keep Ulverston as it is now-not special at all-.On the other hand if they let the new Superstore in where you can obtain everything under one roof,then we all know Ulverston is so small that it will be the final nail in the coffin of what is already a run down town centre.Then,Yes then you will all be able to really celebrate in fine Dickensian style,it will be the perfect backdrop.
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I do see a problem, using the old Robinsons site for a super market; this site will soon be derelict and an eye sore on the Gate way to Ulverston. With good design, water holding tanks, to minimise run off I do not see a problem. I remember the same objections to Booths being built!!! is this not just a small group of NIMBYS?? A readymade site and NOT green field must be GOOD.
Posted by Andrew on 8 January 2013 at 11:06