Plans to turn Shifnal pub into Co-operative store spark objections

Plans have been revealed that could see the Royal George pub on Shifnal's High Street become a Co-op supermarket – despite a storm of opposition from residents and local councillors.

The scheme would see the company's current convenience store – which sits next to the earmarked development site – closed and relocated into the Marston's-owned pub, complete with an extension and alterations. But the application has sparked anger among residents who say the community has not been consulted. Up to seven jobs at the pub are also at risk.

Councillor Kevin Turley, who represents Shifnal on Shropshire Council and sits on Shifnal Town Council, said: "The Co-op prides itself as a company that supports its local community but as a company has not come to talk to the community. But it plans to take the heart and soul out of this pub and go against a group of residents petitioning and fighting this plan.

"It's a big part of our community this pub, it's used by a lot of families as it's so friendly so it will be a huge lose if it is taken away from Shifnal. There has been no consultation with the residents, and there is even talk of boycotting the store if the plans do go ahead. We have even handed a petition over to Shropshire Council objecting to the plans, which had hundreds of signatures on.

"We just don't need another Co-op in Shifnal, we already have two in the town."

It comes after brewery Marston's announced at the end of last year it would be selling more than 200 pubs across the country.

There are currently seven staff employed at the Royal George, but developers say the plans could see 20 new jobs created with the new Co-op. The new store would also provide a "more extensive range of goods" and "better serve" people in Shifnal.

So far 17 residents have objected to the plans on Shropshire Council's website, with some saying the town is lacking leisure facilities and therefore does not need another store. Eight people have voiced their support for the plans.

Nichola Wilson, who lives in the town, said: "There are already two Co-op supermarkets in the town a further supermarket is not required. The town is lacking in leisure and entertainment facilities as well as a large enough doctors, not retail outlets.

"The proposed site does not allow sufficient parking and will increase traffic to an already busy area of town."

But some residents are arguing the objections by saying a new Co-op store would bring extra people to the town.

Hannah Loffman, said: "I am definitely for this and feel it will be a good opportunity to bring new footfall to the local Shifnal community, supporting the local shops and businesses on the high street."