CAMPAIGNERS calling for a new low-cost food store in Little Sutton do not want to see the old Kwik Save site turned into a pub or restaurant.
Valerie Waring, who has lived in the village for nearly 50 years and is leading the campaign, spoke out after the two commercial estate agents marketing the building described it as a “bar/restaurant opportunity”.
So far, nearly 1,000 people have signed a petition in support of having a food store in the area and hope to see it based at the old supermarket site.
They are arguing that Ellesmere Port town centre is too far to travel to do their weekly shop, particularly for pensioners, people with ill health and those who can’t drive.
The campaign has backing from borough MP Andrew Miller, Labour borough and county councillor Brian Jones and Tory borough councillor Kimberley Anderson.
Mrs Waring said: “We are saying ‘no’ to another pub. I have received e-mails, phone calls and spoken with people and they are fuming at this. We already have enough pubs and restaurants.”
In an e-mail to borough leader Justin Madders about the possibility of the building being used as a food store again, commercial estate agent Mason Owen said it was “not attractive” due to the lack of a car park, as well as having to compete with the nearby Tesco Express.
But Mrs Waring said: “I know of three parking areas that are free to the public within 100-150 yards from the Kwik Save property. A lot of people have said Tesco Express is too expensive.
“It is just a dropping- off point for a pint of milk or a loaf of bread. There is not enough assortment of groceries so you could never be able to do a full shop.”
