The announcement of a potential new supermarket in Crickhowell has been met with dismay by the local community and Fay Jones MP has been urging residents to contact her with their views on the proposal.
Earlier this year, Miss Jones was made aware that the Co-Op was interested in moving into the former Conservative Club in Crickhowell. A planning application has now been submitted – one which would see the retailer occupy the entire site. The estimate is that this will create around 12 jobs in the area.
While potential creation of new jobs has been widely welcomed, concerns have been raised about the impact the new supermarket would have on Crickhowell's thriving independent high street and the small businesses which inhabit it. Currently the high street collectively employs around 30 people making it the biggest employer in Crickhowell.
Fay Jones MP, Member of Parliament for Brecon and Radnorshire said:
"I am really grateful to the hundreds of residents who have contacted me, I will reply to each and every one, but if I haven’t got to you yet, I will do so in the next few days.
"While job creation is a good thing, I am deeply concerned about the impact this will have in Crickhowell, which is my nearest town. One of Crickhowell’s selling points is it's independent high street – full of small businesses.
"Everyone has a valid opinion and should feel free to voice their view without fear of attack on social media. I particularly sympathise with those who support a supermarket on the basis that it will provide better disabled access, greater choice of dietary products and longer opening hours. I’m really pleased to see that local retailers have already agreed to address these issues.
"In recent months, these businesses have worked tirelessly to ensure that the local community, especially our vulnerable residents, have access to everything they need. This came after a very difficult few weeks in February when residents and businesses were flooded out. As they return to work and shoppers come back to the High Street, now is not the right time for these businesses to face additional pressures. On top of this, I am seriously concerned that the proposal would exacerbate pollution and traffic problems – in an already narrow part of this beautiful town.
"As a Member of Parliament – and as someone who lives just down the road - I feel it is important to add my voice to those who do not want to see a new supermarket. I will be campaigning to support my local retailers, the independence of the high street and the talented small business owners who are the backbone of the economy."