Crickhowell Co-op supermarket plans spark protests - five years after similar battle

Campaigners in a Powys town are once again fighting to keep a supermarket chain out of their high street - five years after winning a similar battle.

Crickhowell, which was crowned Britain’s Best High Street two years ago, has been earmarked as the site for a new Co-op store.

Those against the plans say they’re worried about the impact of a huge chain on the town’s many independent businesses, particularly amidst the pandemic.

Concerns have also been raised over the potential for increased traffic and pollution.

Fay Jones, Conservative MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, said: "I live near Crickhowell and am hugely proud of its award-winning independent high street.

"In recent months, these businesses have worked tirelessly to ensure that the local community, especially our vulnerable residents, have access to everything they need.

"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 the town.

"I look forward to working with the passionate local campaigners to try and stop the supermarket coming to Crickhowell."

In 2015, the town successfully fought plans to turn an historical pub into a convenience store.

Around 300 residents joined together in a community project, investing £750,000 of their own money to keep The Corn Exchange independent.

Kirsty Williams, Lib Dem Member of the Senedd for Brecon and Radnorshire, said: “I am sorry that once again this issue has raised its head after the previous battle to save the former Corn Exchange building in the High Street from a similar fate.

"We fought and won then, and we must rally once again to defend the amazing High Street in Crickhowell, crowned 'Best British High Street' less than two years ago.

“It is rare for such a small town to excel in this way, and protecting the local, independent shops, especially in light of the unexpected and unprecedented challenges they are now facing, is vital.

“There are also important environmental and safety issues to consider given the inevitable increase in traffic around the site. I will continue to work with local residents and representatives on this issue."

A spokesperson for Co-op, said: “The owner has submitted a planning application to convert the site into a convenience store, which would be operated by the Co-op.

"Co-op’s history in Wales dates back to the 1800s. If approved, a new Co-op store can help to retain spending in a community. It would run on 100% renewable electricity, create local jobs, support food supply security locally – with residents having the added convenience of groceries closer to where they live, rather than travelling out of the area, and create value through Co-op’s partnerships with Welsh suppliers and community causes.”

Earlier this year, unprecedented rainfall in Crickhowell as a result of Storm Dennis caused businesses and homes to flood.