News that a multi-million pound Waitrose supermarket could be built in Meole Brace has been met with a mixed reaction.
Earlier this week it was revealed that the upmarket store was in advanced talks with Percy Thrower’s Garden and Leisure centre in Oteley Road to purchase the existing garden centre to make way for a supermarket.
The deal would see bosses at Percy Thrower’s receive cash to build a state-of-the-art garden centre at an adjoining site.
Shrewsbury Town Councillor Kath Owen, for Meole Brace, said: “I think it’s a nice idea and it means we won’t lose Percy Thrower’s. Waitrose has some very high quality products and the store will be a real coup for the area.
“Of course if residents want to fight the plans we will support them, but so far I haven’t had any phone calls which is a positive sign. It will be more competition for Sainsbury’s which will hopefully lower prices, and help out hard pushed families.”
However, John Hall, chairman of Shop in the Loop, had reservations about the plans.
He said: “It will mean there will be quite a lot of supermarkets at Meole Brace. Although I am delighted that Waitrose has opened a store in the town centre, I would question the need for any more out of town supermarkets. I am sure we will be discussing the plans in detail at the next Shop in the Loop meeting on Monday.”
Councillor Owen added: “There is still a lot of water to go under the bridge before these plans actually take shape.”
by Catherine Ferris