In the historic market town of Swaffham, Norfolk, a controversy has erupted over plans by Greggs, the popular bakery chain, to establish a new outlet. The proposal has met with significant opposition from local residents, who fear the impact on independent businesses and the town's character.
Swaffham, a town with a rich history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period, is known for its Georgian architecture and vibrant market square. The town, with a population of approximately 7,000, has been holding weekly markets since the 14th century, showcasing its deep-rooted tradition of local commerce.
A petition opposing the new Greggs store, initiated by resident Karl Chappell, has garnered over 950 signatures in just three weeks. The primary concern centers around the potential impact on Well Bread Bakers, a family-owned bakery that has been a Swaffham staple for four decades.
Emma Godfrey and her husband Andy, owners of Well Bread Bakers, expressed their worries about the future of their business. Emma, 35, stated:
"We are making enough money to pay for our outgoings and just enough to keep going. But if a big enough portion of our takings are lost, we're going to have to look at different ways to cut our costs."
The Godfreys fear that the arrival of Greggs, known for its extensive network of over 2,000 shops across the UK, could lead to job losses and financial strain on their small business. Andy Godfrey, 61, who took over the bakery in 2002 after working there for most of his life, has witnessed the challenges faced by independent businesses in recent years.
Swaffham's residents have rallied behind their local businesses, emphasizing the importance of preserving the town's unique character. Marian Gibson, a 73-year-old long-time resident, voiced her opposition:
"I don't think we need it. We've got a good bakers and we don't need the competition. Swaffham should stay as a market town – we've already got loads of supermarkets and we need to keep these small family shops running."
The situation in Swaffham mirrors a broader trend of resistance against chain stores in small towns. In a similar case, Gail's, an upmarket bakery chain, faced opposition to its plans for a new shop in Walthamstow Village, East London, with over 1,800 people signing a petition to "safeguard the soul of our beloved neighbourhood."
While Greggs has made efforts to introduce healthier options and operates a franchise model allowing individual operators to run stores, concerns persist about its potential impact on local economies. The company, founded in 1939 by John Gregg in Newcastle upon Tyne, has faced similar criticisms in other small towns across the UK.
As the debate continues, Swaffham's residents are determined to protect their town's heritage and support local businesses. The town, which boasts several listed buildings and is home to two historic windmills, including the Grade II* listed Swaffham Prior Windmill, takes pride in its unique identity and strong community spirit.
The outcome of this controversy may set a precedent for how small, historic towns balance modernization with the preservation of local businesses and community character. As of now, Greggs, Swaffham Town Council, and Breckland Council have not provided comments on the situation.