New Sainsbury’s may open in North Leamington
Sainsbury’s, the second largest chain of supermarkets in the UK, may be opening a new store in North Leamington.
Total Bonjour, a company which owns a petrol station in Rugby Road has appealed the rejection of their plan to open a second Sainsbury’s store in Leamington.
Warwick District Council refused plans to demolish the station and build a new food-store, cash machine and car park last year. The government will now take another look at the plan.
University students have had mixed reactions to the proposals.
Katie Lawton, a finalist living on Oxford Street, five minutes away from the proposed new location for the shop, welcomed the plans. She said: “More choice is always good. I shop at Tesco out of ease but I prefer going to larger shops. Sainsbury’s is my favourite anyway.”
However, third-year Engineering student Rhys Hill of Clarendon Square, North Leamington, discussed the possible effect on the local area. He commented: “I think there’s enough choice in Leamington. But I use Tesco every time and it wouldn’t really affect me if a new supermarket opened up.”
His flat-mate Sean Pillai also a third-year Engineering student, agreed. “[A new store] isn’t really necessary as there’s already a Tesco, which is of a similar price and quality” he said.
“There would be a change to the area if the shop was too
big, but I don’t see the space for it in North Leamington” he added
Leamington residents have heavily criticised the plans, voicing their concerns to the council online and by letter.
Liberal Democrat Warwick District councillor Bill Gifford urged his constituents to to boycott the new shop. He told the Leamington Courier: “[If the] appeal is accepted, then the best action that people could take would be to ignore that particular Sainsbury’s and use the Rugby Road shops.”
Comments (1)
I once headed to the north of Leamington. Once, in my down time, I was just kicking back walking down the road listening to my favourite tracks… but anyway, I digress. I went to the North, once. Of Leamington Spa. There was no Sainsbury’s, I didn’t notice it at the time but now that you mention it… I’m quite frankly, and I don’t mean to sound outspoken, embarrassed, yes that’s right, damn right mortified, that, not that I noticed at the time, although I was a bit high, yes stoned, so I may not have been as perceptive as usual, if you know what I mean, and I’m sure that a lot of you out there do. Thanks now, take care all, Obsidian Thunderstorm.