'Small shops will be hit' if Costa comes to Market Drayton

Concerns have been raised that smaller traders in Market Drayton will be unable to compete with the firm.

Costa has said it is "evaluating opportunities" in the area but that no firm plans were in place at this stage.

But Mark Whittle, chairman of Market Drayton Chamber of Trade and Commerce, described the firm's possible arrival as a blow to the town.

It leads to the prospect of Market Drayton being the latest town to launch a campaign to keep Costa out in order to protect locally-owned businesses.

Mr Whittle thinks it will hit several businesses hard, including Per Cup Cafe, No21 and Jones's Coffee House.

"I think this is really bad new and don't agree with it whatsoever," he said.

"I think it will lead to other coffee shops in the town to close as they will struggle to compete with Costa.

"We have had no conversations with Costa whatsoever."

Costa's announcement that it has an interest in the area follows weeks of rumours in the town that the chain would move in to the premises currently occupied by Stead & Simpson in Cheshire Street, which is to close on Friday.

Stead & Simpson, which is owned by Shoe Zone, has been ousted by Shropshire Council after operating there rent free for some time.

The council, which owns the premises, said Shoe Zone had requested a rent-freeze on the shop due to financial difficulties. This was granted until a new tenant was found who was willing to pay rent, which has now happened.

Shropshire Council has not yet revealed which new tenant was moving into the building but described it as a "quality national brand".

Councillor Tim Beckett, mayor of Market Drayton, said in feedback received from local residents, people were happy with the possible arrival of Costa, but not at the expense of the shoe shop.

In 2012 the national coffee chain pulled out of a Devon town that prides itself on having independent shops.

South Hams District Council had approved plans by Costa Coffee to open in Totnes but it led to a huge campaign.

In a letter, the managing director of Costa, said the company had "recognised the strength of feeling" against national brands in the town.

The move, detailed in a letter to "the people of Totnes", came after bosses agreed to travel to the town to meet leaders.

If a Costa branch opens in Market Drayton it will add to those in Newport, Telford, Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Oswestry.

A spokeswoman for Costa said: "We are currently evaluating opportunities in the Market Drayton area, but have no firm plans in place at this stage."

• Star comment: Identical streets are a shame