Asda and Sainsburys will be boost for shoppers in Bognor

Its members have welcomed the potential arrival of the national retailers as providing a real boost to the town's shopping choice.

Group chairman Stan Jonas said support for Asda and Sainsbury's to be opened along the A29 Shripney Road was split among its backers.

"Our supporters are pleased to see the emphasis on getting more jobs as well as more competition between supermarkets.

"Long term, the town might support three major out-of-town supermarkets," he said.

"Our supporters believe Asda will attract people from a wide area who then might spend the day in Bognor.

"They also believe that having a local Sainsbury's will attract people living in wider Bognor to shop locally in their new store and in the town.

"Taking a longer view, our supporters believe developing business and enterprise on both sites is crucial for the future of the town. In the short term, however, Arun District Council will have to make some difficult decisions.

"But we are encouraged that major retailers are keen to invest in Bognor in the present climate."

He stated that everyone wanted to see the former Lec site '“ where Sainsbury's wants to go '“ developed from its current eyesore status.

"We would be interested to know why Asda didn't want to develop there," he continued.

"That site is closer to the town centre. Building a supermarket there would be well within planning guidelines whereas the fields at Oldlands Farm, where Asda wants to build, are earmarked for industrial and commercial development."

It was important this was recognised instead of the debate being diverted into another bout of 'Arun bashing', he stated.

Jean Coles, secretary of BRighter Bognor, said: "We have had a number of supporters tell us they would like to have an Asda store and many Sainsbury's fans who wish to shop in Bognor rather than driving to Chichester or Angmering.

"In discussion about the pros and cons, people speak about the size and range as well as the prices at Asda's Havant superstore, which is in the company's largest category.

"Their proposals for Bognor, however, are for a smaller store. It is a pity this has not been made clear.

"The areas proposed for Asda and Sainsbury's in Bognor look similar to our present Tesco."

What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP