Burnham-On-Sea’s MP and Mayor have given their reaction to the news that discount retailer B&M has CONFIRMED that it will be opening a store at the site of the town’s former Morrisons supermarket.
A B&M spokesperson told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Thursday: “We are pleased to confirm that we have exchanged contracts with Morrisons on their development in Pier Street. We’re feeling really positive about the creation of jobs for local people and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store. We are all really excited to get the doors open and welcome our new customers.”
Burnham’s MP James Heappey said: “My reservations over the arrival of a retailer like B&M in Burnham are well documented and I remain very concerned. When deciding which lines to stock, I hope that B&M will be sympathetic to what is already on offer on the High Street and that they take the very first opportunity to meet with local businesses so that their concerns can be allayed. That said, the new store will bring new jobs and potentially new shoppers to the town centre. With the deal done – no matter what my reservations – I look forward to welcoming B&M to the town.”
Burnham’s Mayor Michael Clarke told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It’s great news for the town that we have a new store coming and that the Morrisons site isn’t going to be empty, but my feelings are with the traders it will effect in the town centre. It’s not the ideal outcome that everybody wanted but all credit to B&M for coming along and filling the store.”
Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade says: “We are keen to work closely with B&M and while we are pleased that a store here will create jobs and footfall in the town, we are very concerned that a non-grocery store has the potential to negatively impact other High Street traders in Burnham. We will be discussing this with the firm and local authorities.”
Burnham Town Centre Manager Bev Milner Simonds added: “I am pleased to see Sedgemoor’s prediction of a speedy reassignment has proven correct and I hope that staff laid off by Morrisons will be front of the queue with B&M for new positions. Whilst this trader will not be good news for everyone, I look forward to working with the new store management for the benefit of the whole town centre.”
The news comes despite several denials of interest in the site from B&M – the latest just this week – when a spokesman said it was “not aware that we are looking at this site”.
Also see:
Confirmed – Discount store B&M takes over Burnham Morrisons site
Businesses in Burnham-On-Sea discuss future of former Morrisons site
Video: Mayor thanks staff at Burnham’s Morrisons store as it shuts
Council ‘confident’ that Burnham Morrisons store won’t be empty long
Burnham’s MP meets campaigners battling to save Morrisons store
Burnham Morrisons staff told store will shut at the end of November
Protest held over Burnham Morrisons closure at council debate
Morrisons to close its Burnham-On-Sea store
