DUNCAN BARKES Don't rip the heart out of a much-loved parade of shops

The Parklands estate in Chichester is a cracking example of what is right in this country.

Boasting two superb schools, two thriving churches, an active and effective residents association and a variety of local shops, community spirit is alive and well here. The government keeps banging on about the Big Society, but Parklands has been a living example of Cameron’s ideal for years.

This is why Southern Co-operative shouldn’t be allowed to open a store on the site of the Inn on the Green pub – a view shared by the majority of Parklands residents, who at a public meeting were overwhelmingly against the proposal.

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I normally support free market thinking and entrepreneurship, but in this case it would come at too steep a price: jobs cuts and the killing of flourishing local businesses. Compared to many large retail operations Southern Co-operative has decent ethics. But if they open an outlet in Parklands, and Chichester District Council grants them a licence, the parade of shops at the heart of the community will be under serious threat.

For those who don’t know the Ridgeway Parade at Parklands it comprises a newsagent/post office, chemist, butcher, takeaway, Costcutter convenience store, hair salon and betting shop.

For decades it’s operated using a covenant system, meaning businesses do not compete against each other. The opening of a mini supermarket adjacent to the parade would obliterate this. The sight of another boarded-up pub would be depressing, but I would much rather see an empty pub than an entire parade of boarded-up shops.

If Southern Co-operative is granted a licence a combination of buying power (which will allow them to significantly undercut the other businesses) and hard promotion will see the existing shops hit by a drop in custom that could well result in closure.

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Small businesses are already struggling with escalating rates, soaring power and water bills and reams of red tape. The last thing they need is a neighbour with such deep pockets that it can run at a loss until a customer base is established.   It seems the key lies in the hands of the licensing committee of Chichester District Council.

I doubt very much that any major retailer would take the site if they could not sell alcohol.

The Co-op themselves have said they would not open an outlet unless a licence was granted.

I urge councillors to do the right thing: turn down the licence application.

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To say ‘yes’ to the Co-op (or any other major retailer) would be to snuff out a much-loved, well-used part of Chichester. If Dave’s Big Society is to stand a chance, little communities like Parklands need to be heard.