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Get your free copy24 January 2011, 21:11 PM
- A new Sainsbury's store could put Welsh town Llandeilo out of the running for Slow Food Capital
After months of petitioning, Llandeilo may not be chosen as Slow Food Capital because organisers are looking for an area which features a diverse array of food shops, cafés and restaurants and scores of artisan food producers – something the planned store might dampen.
As it stands Llandeilo has no fast-food outlets and two supermarkets, the Co-op and CK’s - another addition could affect the result.
Slow food champion Margaret Rees said, “I am hoping that, with the prospect of another supermarket, people will work together to combat any negative impact they might have.”
Prided for its unique range of food shops, proprietors in Llandeilo are worried that this move may affect their businesses.
Catherine Jones, owner of the Olive Branch Delicatessen in Market Street said, “I opened my business here in August and we have an amazingly loyal customer base. Most of our customers are keen to buy from local producers and suppliers, however we cannot compete with the convenience that a one-stop- shop like a supermarket offers and ultimately we will have to compete against that.”
In response, Graham Wilson, Sainsbury’s regional development surveyor for Wales, said, “Research has indicated that the majority of people living in and around Llandeilo travel outside of the town in order to do their regular food shop. A Sainsbury’s so close to the main shopping street has the potential to attract more shoppers to Llandeilo, encouraging a thriving high street that would benefit its many traders all year round.”
