When David becomes Goliath

When Tesco set up its Hawkhurst branch in 2011 Jempsons Limited were the first to protest. David had to defend himself against Goliath. We’d all say Amen to that.

But now the boot is firmly on the other foot. As Jempson’s, not content with their existing empire – turnover approx £25 million in 2012 – submit their second plan this year for a new store in Northiam and potentially unhorse an independent retailer there: its popular and long-serving Spar shop.

Jempson’s pride themselves on the Christian ethic behind their business dealings. Yet what’s so Christian about un-seating a small trader who has spent 28 years building up Northiam’s independent convenience store – which opens 364 days a year, unlike Jempson’s, and has done so come rain, come shine, come knee-deep snow for nearly thirty years?

Well, in this battle of David and Goliath may the best one of them win. Perhaps Jempson’s gift of £500 to the Northiam Bonfire Society will clinch it. But I’m not a cynic, so I hope not.

Yours faithfully, Anthony McDonald, Broadland Row, Brede.