Charity shop rumour sparks Market Drayton worries

Concerned shoppers in Market Drayton took to the Drayton Crier Facebook page after it was suggested Age UK might open in the former Subway sandwich shop in Cheshire Street.

The charity has denied the rumours.

Meanwhile, a poster has appeared in the former Ethel Austin shop in Cheshire Street to say the YMCA is interested in taking it over.

Andy Brown, chairman of the Market Drayton Chamber of Commerce, said: "Without wanting to sound uncharitable, the former Ethel Austin building is a big retail unit and Market

Drayton doesn't need any more charity shops.

"Unfortunately we are getting a reputation of only being able to offer charity shops and takeaways, which is not the case.

"We have lots of great independent stores but it's the charity shops and takeaways that are becoming more noticeable.

"When you get that sort of reputation it stops bringing people in and also kills off potential investment. Market Drayton needs more choice and variation."

At present the town has nine charity shops split between High Street and Cheshire Street.

Shopper Sam Lamport said: "People in Market Drayton want choice and sadly one charity shop after another doesn't give you that.

"People want a high street with a mix of independent stores and big retail chains. Not only do they sell better products but they look better as well.

"All these charity shops just add to the feel that Market Drayton is becoming a ghost town."

Resident Nigel Read added: "Market Drayton does not need another charity shop. There is nothing drawing people into the town."

But Liz Wakefield who runs the Sue Ryder Care shop, in Cheshire Street, said the town's charity shops are a good thing.

She said: "Charity shops do offer a great deal of choice and you always get great customer service and the chance to pick up a bargain.

"I think we have got some great little charity stores in Market Drayton.

"It's much better to have a charity shop than just an empty building."