Whitchurch petition against Sainsbury's

Local business owners on Whitchurch Road are petitioning against the prospect of supermarket giant Sainsbury’s developing the former home of furniture store Maskreys.

The petition has gained more than 800 signatures from customers and local business owners over the past five days.

Mr Y Patel, manager of convenience store Londis, said: "I have nothing against big supermarkets opening stores on suburban streets. However, on Whitchurch Road we already have lots of convenience stores, therefore a lot of businesses will suffer if a chain store opens here."

Mr Patel started the petition on Monday in attempt to curb the plans to open the supermarket, but said the future of his store looked bleak.

"It’s just another case of the big boys with the money looking to dominate,” he said.

Cardiff Evening News can confirm Sainsbury’s have bought the unit with the possibility of building a supermarket downstairs with flats above. Developers PMG are to oversee the project.

Reginald Nadesu, manager of Costcutter, a convenience store only a few doors down from the unit, said: “I am worried. The sad thing is I can offer everything Sainsburys can. I’m even opening a bakery section next weekend.”

Gabalfa Councillor Ed Bridges assured no planning application had yet been submitted for the empty unit: “We have not yet received a planning application at the Council,” he said.

“When we do we would take something like a petition strongly into account.”

Coun Bridges said he would urge Sainsbury’s to engage with the local community before coming up with concrete proposals.