September 23rd 2024.
Residents in Swaffham, a quaint market town, are currently in disagreement over plans to open a new Greggs store on their high street. The bakery-chain intends to move into a vacant unit, but this has sparked outrage among locals who believe that their town should not welcome big name businesses. In fact, hundreds of residents have signed a petition to oppose the plan and protect a beloved family bakery, Well Bread Bakers.
Emma and Andy Godfrey, the owners of Well Bread Bakers, fear that their small business may have to make redundancies if people choose to go to Greggs instead. They have been a cherished establishment in Swaffham for the past 40 years, with many residents choosing to support their local business. The petition, started by resident Karl Chappell, has received almost a thousand signatures in opposition to the proposed Greggs, with many emphasizing the importance of preserving the "heart" of the town.
Emma and Andy express their concerns, stating that if Greggs decides to leave in the future, the town would have lost multiple small businesses for the sake of one chain. They also mention that Greggs is not just a bakery, but also a large coffee shop, and with numerous independent coffee shops already in the town, it may take away business from hidden gems. Their bakery employs 14 people, all of whom live within 5 miles of Swaffham, and the couple worries that they may have to make cuts to their team if their sales are affected.
Well Bread Bakers have been a staple in Swaffham for decades, with Andy taking over the business in 2002 after working there for most of his life. Emma, a mother of two, explains that small businesses like theirs are struggling to survive due to high wage and energy costs. With the addition of Greggs, they may have to make redundancies as they cannot keep increasing their prices. She emphasizes that their bakery is their only source of income and supports their family, and they cannot simply find another job as her husband's skill is in baking.
The couple also expresses their disappointment in the town council and local government for not considering the impact on small businesses. They understand the need for an occupied unit, but they believe that the loss of three more businesses is not worth it. They also mention the changing economy, where both adults in a household need to work, and people do not have the time to explore local shops. Without support, small businesses may not survive.
Marian Gibson, a 73-year-old resident for 40 years, also shares her thoughts on the matter. She believes that the town does not need Greggs as they already have a good local bakery and numerous supermarkets. She stresses the importance of supporting small, independent shops and believes that the council should do more to protect them. However, the Swaffham Town Council has stated that they have no objections to the proposed Greggs.
Overall, the residents of Swaffham are divided on the issue of bringing in a big name chain store. While some believe it may bring in more business and customers, others are concerned about the impact on small, local businesses. The future of the town's high street remains uncertain, but the community's passion for supporting their local shops is clear.
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