Shoppers queue to check out new store

Mar 14 2008 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

SHOPPERS in a Northumberland market town finally welcomed a second major supermarket yesterday after a lengthy battle.

Sainsbury’s opened a new store in Alnwick, bringing to an end a historic monopoly over town food shopping held by its Morrisons, formerly Safeway, outlet.

Attempts to provide competition date back to 2001 with one bid thwarted amid fears over its impact on town centre shops.

Alnwick’s lack of retail choice meant many people went elsewhere in the county for their groceries.

But yesterday town shoppers voted with their feet in support of the new store, with a lengthy queue at the door for its 9am opening.

Shop manager Debra Thurley said: “We have had predominantly positive feedback that this is something the public of Alnwick have been waiting for for years.

“That is the most overwhelming message customers are telling me. They want more choice and that is what we are here to offer.

“We will hopefully complement the town centre, bringing people back to the town who perhaps have been shopping in other towns.”

The new 21,000sqft store on Willowburn Avenue was officially opened by the Duke of Northumberland, assisted by pupils from Alnwick South First School and town crier John Stevens.

By 9.15am, the supermarket was so busy that those turning up had to wait for trolleys. Debra added: “It is fabulous, overwhelming really, the number of customers who have turned up in the first 15 minutes.

“It has exceeded my expectations. It is fabulous to see so many people from Alnwick turning out.”

Sainsbury’s is to provide 130 jobs in the Alnwick area.

The Duke’s Northumberland Estates obtained planning permission for the store in September 2006, and it forms part of a retail park with other Estates developments, Homebase and Argos.

Estates development director Colin Barnes said: “We are very proud to be the developer behind this scheme.

“Not only are all of the stores built to high design specifications, but all have been designed to meet the changing needs of the town.

“What is more, all have been delivered to schedule and on time.

“We see the development of the Willowburn site as an important marker in the regeneration of Alnwick, and Northumberland Estates is pleased to have played its part in a process which we hope will bring renewed economic growth to the area as people no longer have to travel further afield to meet their shopping requirements.”

Sainsbury’s beat one of its main rivals in the battle to set up shop in the town.

Tesco applied in 2001 but was knocked back. It made a second attempt, at the same time as Sainsbury’s was granted approval.

However, Tesco was again snubbed and it has recently conceded defeat in light of Sainsbury’s success.

Smaller chain Lidl was given the go-ahead to open a store in Alnwick at the same time as Sainsbury’s but has still to satisfy Alnwick District Council on planning conditions and has yet to start building work.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Competition for business is welcomed

SHOPPERS trying out the new Sainsbury’s supermarket yesterday morning were delighted with the new store, and pleased to have more choice on where to buy groceries.

Steven Alderson, 45, of Sycamore Avenue, said: "It is great because we have only got Morrisons. I live in Alnwick so it is on the doorstep."

Sarah Mole, 34, of Grange Road, Shilbottle, added: "It is great, it is choice. It is nice to have somewhere different to shop."

Susan Fairbairn, 37, of Hillside, Lesbury, made two visits to the store in the space of an hour.

She said: "I think it is fantastic. I like the fact that straightaway there are lots of car parking spaces.

"I like the fact there is a really nice cafe. It is nice to have some competition for Morrisons, to have a choice."

Retired couple Tony and Sylvia Best, who live at Leslie Drive in Amble, were among the shoppers.

Mr Best said: "We are quite used to Sainsbury’s. We come from Kent, we moved up here three or four years ago.

"Because we are used to Sainsbury’s, it compares favourably.

"It is extremely well organised, keen prices, friendly staff. We have been shopping in Ashington."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balloon release cancelled

PLANS for a balloon release at the unveiling of the new Sainsbury’s store were shelved following complaints from environmentalists.

Managers had intended to invite pupils from Alnwick South School to take part in the release.

However, the Marine Conservation Society, the National Trust , the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership and some residents objected.

They feared the balloons would end up on the nearby coastline where they could be swallowed by marine and wildlife, with potentially fatal consequences.

Sainsbury’s had said the balloons it planned to use were biodegradable but environmentalists told the company even those can last for six months or longer at sea.

National Trust wardens were at the store opening yesterday to explain to the pupils why releasing balloons posed a problem.

And coastal warden Kevin Redgrave said: "We are pleased that Sainsbury’s has taken on an environmental viewpoint in this matter."