Cherry Tree newsagent's anger over Sainsbury's approval

1:00pm Saturday 23rd February 2013 in News

CHERRY Tree newsagent Stephen Worsley has expressed disappointment after councillors finally approved a new Sainsbury’s ‘Local’ convenience store just 300 metres from his shop.

He has vowed to fight to keep his customers satisfied and patronising his premises despite the Blackburn with Darwen planning committee ignoring his last ditch plea to turn the scheme down.

Last month the all-party group deferred the decision to make a second visit to the site in Cherry Tree because of concerns about parking and the effect on Mr Worsley’s shop further down Preston Old Road.

On Thursday they gave it the go-ahead having been satisfied there was adequate parking.

Now the committee have granted Holts of Cherry Tree Carpet and Flooring Centre in Preston Old Road permission to split the existing ground floor premises in two to allow Sainsbury’s to open a convenience store.

They also want to turn the upstairs offices into a gym and pilates room. The scheme is expected to create 24 jobs.

Mr Worsley told the meeting that he remained concerned at the potential for parking, traffic and anti-social behaviour problems if the application was approved and cast doubt on the number of jobs.

He said: “A posh new facia and a brightly lit store does not a local community shop make.”

Afterwards Mr Worsley, who has build up his shop over 19 years, said: “I am disappointed obviously.

“I have a very strong customer base and will be doing all I can to ensure they continue to use my shop and not the new Sainsbury’s.

“I intend to be a bigger thorn in the side of Sainsbury’s than they are to my business.”

Tory planning spokesman Alan Cottam said after the visit he could see no grounds for refusing the application on traffic or parking grounds.

Fellow Livesey with Pleasington ward councillor Derek Hardman said he was still uneasy with the siting of the new convenience store.

Louise Gill, of Holts’ agents Sunderland Peacock and Associates, had no comment to make on the decision.

A Sainsbury's spokesman said: "We are pleased. We look forward to being part of the community."

Comments (19)

1:16pm Sat 23 Feb 13

M Foster says...

Big business with it's big money always wins over local amenities in the end. It is a symptom of greedy capitalism, once again by a foreign-owned business. Perhaps substantial donations to certain political parties might have smoothed the path or am I being too cynical?
Big business with it's big money always wins over local amenities in the end. It is a symptom of greedy capitalism, once again by a foreign-owned business. Perhaps substantial donations to certain political parties might have smoothed the path or am I being too cynical? M Foster

2:52pm Sat 23 Feb 13

A Darener says...

M Foster wrote:
Big business with it's big money always wins over local amenities in the end. It is a symptom of greedy capitalism, once again by a foreign-owned business. Perhaps substantial donations to certain political parties might have smoothed the path or am I being too cynical?
Approx26% of Sainsbury's shares are held by Qatari holdings 26% by the family the rest by all kinds of private investors. If you are so concerned about foreign investment in British company's then why don't you buy shares in Sainsbury's? Then you will be doing your bit to keep British company's in British hands. British overseas investments help the country just as foreign investment in British company's help foreign countries. It is called business. Shoppers nowadays owe no loyalty to small shops, only to getting what they want at the cheapest price. It is up to the small businessman to provide a service the customer wants. Should shopping on the Internet be banned because it harms small businesses? Businesses are customer driven, provide what he wants and he will buy off you.
[quote][p][bold]M Foster[/bold] wrote: Big business with it's big money always wins over local amenities in the end. It is a symptom of greedy capitalism, once again by a foreign-owned business. Perhaps substantial donations to certain political parties might have smoothed the path or am I being too cynical?[/p][/quote]Approx26% of Sainsbury's shares are held by Qatari holdings 26% by the family the rest by all kinds of private investors. If you are so concerned about foreign investment in British company's then why don't you buy shares in Sainsbury's? Then you will be doing your bit to keep British company's in British hands. British overseas investments help the country just as foreign investment in British company's help foreign countries. It is called business. Shoppers nowadays owe no loyalty to small shops, only to getting what they want at the cheapest price. It is up to the small businessman to provide a service the customer wants. Should shopping on the Internet be banned because it harms small businesses? Businesses are customer driven, provide what he wants and he will buy off you. A Darener

2:58pm Sat 23 Feb 13

sen c b l says...

Customer loyalty will be put to the test if Mr Worsley has a 'very strong customer base', and futher up the road towards Blackburn Town, newsagents have remained dominant force after the opening of Tesco Express several years ago.
Customer loyalty will be put to the test if Mr Worsley has a 'very strong customer base', and futher up the road towards Blackburn Town, newsagents have remained dominant force after the opening of Tesco Express several years ago. sen c b l

3:04pm Sat 23 Feb 13

DG6985 says...

Greedy multimillion corporations dominating our residential areas with their expensive, bright hives attracting traffic, noise and litter, surely one Sainsburys or Tesco supermarket per town is enough, I'm even turning away from their tempting money grabbing offers, e.g 'Buy Skyfall DVD for £7 when you spend £30 in store'.

Support your local independent businesses, the likes of Sainsburys are just a rip off.
Greedy multimillion corporations dominating our residential areas with their expensive, bright hives attracting traffic, noise and litter, surely one Sainsburys or Tesco supermarket per town is enough, I'm even turning away from their tempting money grabbing offers, e.g 'Buy Skyfall DVD for £7 when you spend £30 in store'. Support your local independent businesses, the likes of Sainsburys are just a rip off. DG6985

4:27pm Sat 23 Feb 13

woolywords says...

Never, in the face of decent competition, has so much twaddle, been spouted by one twonk as this.
He said: “A posh new facia and a brightly lit store does not a local community shop make.”
Apart from your sad dilapidated shop, with it's dimly lit interior, over priced goods and your callous indifference to the wants of the customers..Why would I possibly want to shop elsewhere?
Crikey, even in the big shops, like Tesco, Asda and Morrisons, many of the staff know me by name, as do I, them. Warm greetings are exchanged between us, unlike your dour and surly manner.
Someone has spent a bit of time, doing a bit of market research, to find out the true wants of your customer base, and by that, the opening of a Sainsbury store fullfils that need. It's a market driven economy now, where the weakest fall by the wayside. And to quote the inimitable Anne Robinson, you are the weakest link, goodbye.
Never, in the face of decent competition, has so much twaddle, been spouted by one twonk as this. He said: “A posh new facia and a brightly lit store does not a local community shop make.” Apart from your sad dilapidated shop, with it's dimly lit interior, over priced goods and your callous indifference to the wants of the customers..Why would I possibly want to shop elsewhere? Crikey, even in the big shops, like Tesco, Asda and Morrisons, many of the staff know me by name, as do I, them. Warm greetings are exchanged between us, unlike your dour and surly manner. Someone has spent a bit of time, doing a bit of market research, to find out the true wants of your customer base, and by that, the opening of a Sainsbury store fullfils that need. It's a market driven economy now, where the weakest fall by the wayside. And to quote the inimitable Anne Robinson, you are the weakest link, goodbye. woolywords

5:26pm Sat 23 Feb 13

M.DANNY says...

Small corner shops like Mr Worsley should join Spar,Nisa or Londis to fight off competition with big boys like Tesco,Sainsburys,Mor
risons and Asda.
In area like Cherry Tree and others like Little Harwood,Audley/Queen
s Park,Intack,Roe Lee,Mill Hill,Infirmary some local stores have joined Spar,Nisa and Londis and invested in refurbishing shops with more modern facia more lightings,modern shop shelves and epos system.The local shops can do well with right prices .Many small shops around the Borough are fighting back the big supermarket chains.
Small corner shops like Mr Worsley should join Spar,Nisa or Londis to fight off competition with big boys like Tesco,Sainsburys,Mor risons and Asda. In area like Cherry Tree and others like Little Harwood,Audley/Queen s Park,Intack,Roe Lee,Mill Hill,Infirmary some local stores have joined Spar,Nisa and Londis and invested in refurbishing shops with more modern facia more lightings,modern shop shelves and epos system.The local shops can do well with right prices .Many small shops around the Borough are fighting back the big supermarket chains. M.DANNY

5:27pm Sat 23 Feb 13

King Fabulous says...

Woolywords makes a valid point,
I loose count of the sniveling whining small business' that I have the misfortune to rely on, They are usually outdated, complacent and think they have a God given right to trade forever (the post office, anyone?), No-one owes them a living no matter how long they have been there and the amount of business hating leftie leaning whinging comments just shows how thick headed most of the people in East Lancs are.

Now can we have a Tesco Extra in Darwen please?
Woolywords makes a valid point, I loose count of the sniveling whining small business' that I have the misfortune to rely on, They are usually outdated, complacent and think they have a God given right to trade forever (the post office, anyone?), No-one owes them a living no matter how long they have been there and the amount of business hating leftie leaning whinging comments just shows how thick headed most of the people in East Lancs are. Now can we have a Tesco Extra in Darwen please? King Fabulous

10:17pm Sat 23 Feb 13

woodyads says...

I seem to remember similar protestations being made when Tesco opened on Livesey Branch Road, and Holly Tree News made vehement wailings about how they would take away 'their' business. Well, I'm all for a bit of healthy competition; after all - the winner will be the customer.
I seem to remember similar protestations being made when Tesco opened on Livesey Branch Road, and Holly Tree News made vehement wailings about how they would take away 'their' business. Well, I'm all for a bit of healthy competition; after all - the winner will be the customer. woodyads

10:21pm Sat 23 Feb 13

2 for 5p says...

Hey Worsley you want to play the business man you've now met your match :-))
Best of luck your going to need it you'll be signing onbeforeyou know it.
Hey Worsley you want to play the business man you've now met your match :-)) Best of luck your going to need it you'll be signing onbeforeyou know it. 2 for 5p

11:36pm Sat 23 Feb 13

burner says...

Zero parking possibilities outside that dingy little shop, unless you use the bus stop = then the mobile traffic wardens get you !!!
.
Worsley, if you TRULY want to serve the community then STOP SELLING ALCOHOL !!!!!!!!!!!!! Then all those youngsters won't be arzing around in my front garden of an evening!!!
Zero parking possibilities outside that dingy little shop, unless you use the bus stop = then the mobile traffic wardens get you !!! . Worsley, if you TRULY want to serve the community then STOP SELLING ALCOHOL !!!!!!!!!!!!! Then all those youngsters won't be arzing around in my front garden of an evening!!! burner

12:25am Sun 24 Feb 13

darwenTower says...

I read the comments above and despair.

Most of you deserve to eat the horse that the 'big players' are dishing out to you. The customer will win? I doubt it.
I read the comments above and despair. Most of you deserve to eat the horse that the 'big players' are dishing out to you. The customer will win? I doubt it. darwenTower

1:07am Sun 24 Feb 13

indiana patel says...

we don't need no more small shops anymore it's 21st century there are out of town superstores on line shopping and and modern shopping malls.
Them days mrs smith flower shops,mr jones butchers , harry's cobblers.mr brown bakers are all disappeared
we don't need no more small shops anymore it's 21st century there are out of town superstores on line shopping and and modern shopping malls. Them days mrs smith flower shops,mr jones butchers , harry's cobblers.mr brown bakers are all disappeared indiana patel

7:09am Sun 24 Feb 13

Excluded again says...

It's simple. Asda, Sainsburys and Tescos are not charities. They are profit making businesses - if people spend their money there, they will stay open and if people don't spend their money there, they will close.

Those people who want small independent retailers need to shop in such shops. If you don't, then they close.
It's simple. Asda, Sainsburys and Tescos are not charities. They are profit making businesses - if people spend their money there, they will stay open and if people don't spend their money there, they will close. Those people who want small independent retailers need to shop in such shops. If you don't, then they close. Excluded again

7:40am Sun 24 Feb 13

King Fabulous says...

darwenTower wrote:
I read the comments above and despair.

Most of you deserve to eat the horse that the 'big players' are dishing out to you. The customer will win? I doubt it.
When I winter in my cottage in Loire-Atlantique the local Charcuterie supplies the most wonderful horse meat, Nothing wrong with it whatsoever.
[quote][p][bold]darwenTower[/bold] wrote: I read the comments above and despair. Most of you deserve to eat the horse that the 'big players' are dishing out to you. The customer will win? I doubt it.[/p][/quote]When I winter in my cottage in Loire-Atlantique the local Charcuterie supplies the most wonderful horse meat, Nothing wrong with it whatsoever. King Fabulous

5:15pm Sun 24 Feb 13

M.DANNY says...

Open long hours mon-sun 5 in morning till 10 pm anf fight back those big boys like sainsbury and tesco.
Right prices and good service and thought about a free cash machine inside the shop and lottery outlets that will boost your takings.
I work in a shop selling newspapers sweets toys groceries confectionarys lottery outlet and free cash machine too.we are open 5 in the morning till late 10pm with three staff working on a rota .We are doing well and takings up anf fighting back the big boys like tescos and sainsburys.
Open long hours mon-sun 5 in morning till 10 pm anf fight back those big boys like sainsbury and tesco. Right prices and good service and thought about a free cash machine inside the shop and lottery outlets that will boost your takings. I work in a shop selling newspapers sweets toys groceries confectionarys lottery outlet and free cash machine too.we are open 5 in the morning till late 10pm with three staff working on a rota .We are doing well and takings up anf fighting back the big boys like tescos and sainsburys. M.DANNY

5:24pm Sun 24 Feb 13

M.DANNY says...

Independent small shops and petrol station are still here in Blackburn and all over UK so we have to fight back big boys like tescos sainsburys Asda and Morissons.
We have to work long hours seven days a week to survive in this tough competitive world of superstores shopping malls retail parks and internet shopping.
Independent small shops and petrol station are still here in Blackburn and all over UK so we have to fight back big boys like tescos sainsburys Asda and Morissons. We have to work long hours seven days a week to survive in this tough competitive world of superstores shopping malls retail parks and internet shopping. M.DANNY

6:42pm Sun 24 Feb 13

Fingerbang says...

These small shops need to diversify and offer something different. I live in Hyndburn and all the Tescos that have pooped up have made everything more convenient for me. Best thing that ever happened. Adapt or die.
These small shops need to diversify and offer something different. I live in Hyndburn and all the Tescos that have pooped up have made everything more convenient for me. Best thing that ever happened. Adapt or die. Fingerbang

8:08am Mon 25 Feb 13

darwenTower says...

King Fabulous wrote:
darwenTower wrote:
I read the comments above and despair.

Most of you deserve to eat the horse that the 'big players' are dishing out to you. The customer will win? I doubt it.
When I winter in my cottage in Loire-Atlantique the local Charcuterie supplies the most wonderful horse meat, Nothing wrong with it whatsoever.
I've nothing against horse meat.
Fact is it's cheaper wholesale than beef. The supermarkets et al selling it on as beef is indicative how how little they care about their customers, let alone the fact that they've no idea how it got into their products.

Not all small businesses deserve to prosper but can we please stop [retending that the supermarkets are doing us some sort of favour?
[quote][p][bold]King Fabulous[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]darwenTower[/bold] wrote: I read the comments above and despair. Most of you deserve to eat the horse that the 'big players' are dishing out to you. The customer will win? I doubt it.[/p][/quote]When I winter in my cottage in Loire-Atlantique the local Charcuterie supplies the most wonderful horse meat, Nothing wrong with it whatsoever.[/p][/quote]I've nothing against horse meat. Fact is it's cheaper wholesale than beef. The supermarkets et al selling it on as beef is indicative how how little they care about their customers, let alone the fact that they've no idea how it got into their products. Not all small businesses deserve to prosper but can we please stop [retending that the supermarkets are doing us some sort of favour? darwenTower

10:33am Mon 25 Feb 13

Fire Fly says...

The reason shops like this can't compete is because they don't have the power over suppliers like Sainsbury's & Tesco do to force them to supply at rock bottom prices.

Granted the opening hours of this particular shop aren't that customer friendly but price wise I don't think it's that's bad. Bottom line, they've never had to compete much previously now they are going to have to.

I remember the newsagents on Lammack Road & corner shop at the bottom of Whinney Ln having issues when each got new owners & each shop started stocking several of the others bigger selling items, The competition didn't kill either business & each continues to thrive as each has something the other doesn't but Sainsbury's is a whole new ball game i'm afraid, v hard to compete against. Good luck though!
The reason shops like this can't compete is because they don't have the power over suppliers like Sainsbury's & Tesco do to force them to supply at rock bottom prices. Granted the opening hours of this particular shop aren't that customer friendly but price wise I don't think it's that's bad. Bottom line, they've never had to compete much previously now they are going to have to. I remember the newsagents on Lammack Road & corner shop at the bottom of Whinney Ln having issues when each got new owners & each shop started stocking several of the others bigger selling items, The competition didn't kill either business & each continues to thrive as each has something the other doesn't but Sainsbury's is a whole new ball game i'm afraid, v hard to compete against. Good luck though! Fire Fly

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