Store's closure 'will rock community'
February 9, 2008 8:07 PM
THE proposed closure of a South Shore supermarket will be a major blow to an entire community, politicians today claimed.
Booths has announced plans to shut its store on Lytham Road with the loss of 20 jobs because it says it is no longer viable.
Shocked shoppers and other traders have started a petition in order to persuade the supermarket chain's bosses to change their mind.
Ward councillor Douglas Green said it was the second time Booths had threatened to close the store which has been trading for 80 years.
Coun Green, who is leader of the Liberal Democrats on Blackpool Council, said: "Some 20 years ago, after Booths had opened their flagship store on Highfield Road, they announced plans to close their store on Lytham Road.
"The company had made the decision that the two stores would be in competition with each other.
"The proposals met with determined opposition from the residents who lived near to the Lytham Road store and the company gave in to a suggestion that the Lytham Road store should be kept open for as long as it was profitable.
"Much has changed in the Highfield Road shopping centre since that day, gone are most of the butchers, the bakers, the greengrocers, the hardware stores and even the bicycle repairman.
"Now we hear that after 80 years Booths wish to close the store.
"They do not say it is loss making, they say the property is old and not now fit for purpose.
"Well someone should point out to the company that little old ladies cannot walk two miles to the Highfield Road store.
"Again it is the old and the poor who will suffer most, for without transport it is not viable to go to the super stores.
"It is not only the centre of town which needs regeneration, but also the smaller centres like Highfield Road, Bispham, and Layton.
"The town needs its smaller centres to bring back the sense of community to the town."
Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden today said he would be writing to Preston-based Booths in an effort to persuade the company to have a change of heart.
He said: "This store is particularly important for older people and those who don't have their own transport. It is also key to keeping the rest of the Highfield Road shopping area vibrant.
"I use the store myself, because it's near my office, and will be signing the petition. I will also be writing to the company and pressing them to change their minds."
Kathleen Mitchell, who owns a butcher's store a few doors down from Booths, has started a petition in her shop for people to sign.
She said: "If Booths was to close, it would have a knock-on effect on all the other shops too."
Booths told staff of its plans last week. The company says the store is no longer viable and that a final decision regarding its future will be made following consultation with staff.
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