'Ghost town' spooks traders

Traders in Broughton say they fear the area could be turned into a "ghost town" if permission is given for another convenience-style supermarket.

The Co-operative Group has applied for planning permission to open a store at the former Hopetoun Bar Diner in McDonald Road.

As well as being close to independent traders in Leith Walk and Broughton Street, it is also near a Scotmid convenience store in Leith Walk, two Tesco Metros on the corner of Brunswick Road and Picardy Place, and the Tesco superstore in Broughton Road.

Traders, some of whom campaigned against the opening of the Picardy Place Tesco last month, say they fear another chain store could be the last straw for many independent shopkeepers.

James Welby, owner of Tattie Shaw's greengrocer in Elm Row, said: "We're overrun. We have this Tesco at Picardy Place, Tesco down the road from us, there are two Tescos in Leith and one in Broughton Road. I don't think there's any call for it at all.

"I honestly don't know how these guys think they're going to make money."

He said his business had so far survived thanks to the loyalty of local shoppers, but added: "Leith Walk is pretty tough at the moment as it is. I just think it's going to make it like a ghost town round here.

"I suppose it will be handy for the locals, but there's so many good shops in Leith Walk, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, and it's pretty disgraceful if the council let it go ahead."

Michael John, manager of the Pringles Convenience Store in Elm Row, said he and fellow traders had noticed a significant drop in trade since the opening of the Picardy Place Tesco.

He added: "There's already another Tesco just opened and the place is overrun by supermarkets, and the small businesses don't stand a chance."

The application is from the Co-operative Group, which is based in Manchester, and is run separately from the Edinburgh-based Scotmid Co-op. In its application, the group said the proposed store would "facilitate healthy competition".

A spokesman added: "If permission is granted, we expect the new store would open this autumn, and would create around ten in-store jobs.

"The Co-operative is proud of its record of operating at the heart of many communities across Scotland. It is owned by its members, who have a say in how the business is run and who each receive a share of profits, which they can choose to keep, or to donate all or part to local good causes.

"We are confident a Co-operative Food store would be an asset to the local area."

Leith Walk councillor Angela Blacklock said: "I really want to know what the local community thinks about it."I'm in favour of Co-Op shops, they're great places to shop and they're a good resource for people living round and about. The only problem is if it does affect the independent shops."