Dozens of businesses attended a meeting organised by Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade & Commerce on Friday (January 22nd) where the future of the former Morrisons supermarket store was discussed.
The town’s MP James Heappey was among those present, having been invited by the Chamber, amid concern from businesses about the negative impact the store’s closure is having on the town centre.
A constructive discussion saw several potential commercial uses for the site considered, all aimed at boosting footfall and encouraging trade, while securing jobs and providing a service to shoppers.
“A consolidated statement was agreed by those present which urges the site’s leaseholder, Morrisons, and the site’s freeholder, the Pension Protection Fund, to engage with the town’s business community,” said a Chamber of Trade spokesman.
“The statement also expresses great concern about the prospect of a non-grocery retailer opening on the site, threatening the trade of established busisinesses in the town centre. This is being taken up with both companies.”
“We were pleased to see a good turnout at the meeting of Burnham’s business community alongside local councillors, the Town Centre Manager, and MP, who is supportive of finding a positive outcome.”
Continuing rumours suggest that nationwide discount retailing chain B&M could soon take over the former Morrisons store in Pier Street, despite a carefully-worded denial last month. B&M announced last week that it is taking over the former Morrisons store in nearby Clevedon.
Morrisons closed down its Pier Street store at the end of last November with the loss of dozens of jobs.
Also see:
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
