High street trade fear as Budgens pulls out

A supermarket is set to leave Maldon High Street, bringing fears of more worrying times for town centre businesses.

The Budgens store, which includes the post office, is due to close at the end of March with more than 30 members of staff made redundant.

A sign in the store window says: "Please note this store will cease trading at 8pm on Thursday, March 27, 2008."

Now local businesses are concerned that the loss of a major food store and post office could affect trade for other shops.

Talking Flowers owner Jane Kara said: "We are very concerned. Without a replacement, it will have a significant impact on trade. It's not just about losing a shop, we're also losing a post office.

"We would ideally like to see a quality food store - a Marks & Spencer would be fantastic."

Chris Tibbles, a Maldon Chamber of Trade and Commerce committee member, said: "Most people do not want to see another Tesco or Morrisons store because they already have a large presence in the town.

"I'm more concerned about the post office.

"I hope the authorities are looking to provide a service in the high street.

"There is a branch office in Washington Road, half a mile from the high street, which they say can provide an adequate service. But that would be a retrograde step in terms of Maldon town centre.

"More people are moving to live in the town centre, so this decision seems short-sighted."

Chamber of Commerce chairman Terry Quinlan said: "This is a continuous problem and, unfortunately, there are more high street closures in the pipeline.

"There are many things the district and town council can do. Now is the time for councils to work with local businesses to see how they can assist."

A spokesman for Budgens said: "We are selling off our corporate estate so, in line with the way the business is moving, the Maldon lease will not be renewed.

"There is some speculation among the locals about what will happen to the site, but nothing we can clarify."