How coffee shop plan has traders in a froth (From Evesham Journal)

How coffee shop plan has traders in a froth

10:30am Thursday 25th October 2012 in News

MORE than 250 people in Pershore have signed a petition calling for planners to reject proposals for a new High Street coffee shop.

The application from Coffee# 1 Ltd could see the former Ezee PC’S shop at 12 High Street converted into one of the chain’s outlets, but existing cafés and tea rooms in the town are calling for the plans to be thrown out.

Sarah Yetman, of Sarah Jayne’s Tea Room, which is nearby on the High Street, says approving the plans could put her and others out of business as well as change the face of the town.

She said: “It is about keeping Pershore unique.

“If this application was to be approved we think this will be the final nail in the coffin for many of us. There a lot of cafés and places serving refreshments within the immediate area.”

Coffee#1 intends to open between 8am and 6pm from Monday to Saturday and from 9am until 5pm on Sundays.

It plans to employ 10 full-time staff and 10 parttime employees.

Terry Smith, who has run Sugar and Spice café for nine years, said he expected to have more than 500 signatures on the petition by next week.

“It is difficult trading,” he said. “Takings are down on last year. That is the first time this has happened. We are the wrong type of town for that sort of outlet.”

Coffee#1 has more than 25 outlets across Wales and the South West with the nearest being in Tewkesbury and Gloucester. A spokesman said they were hoping to open early next year. “Since our first store opened we’ve made a name for ourselves as an ethical, gourmet coffee house with a friendly, community feel. As a private, family-owned, independent business, we understand there may be concerns from local business owners, but so far we’ve received a very positive response to our coffee shops and we’ll be bringing new jobs.”

To view the plans visit wychavon.gov.uk. The consultation period ends on November 8.