Over 300 concerned members of the public have acted against budget bakery Greggs coming onto the town’s high street.
360 Driffield residents and shoppers have put pen to paper and signed a petition reacting to news the large high street chain had submitted planning proposals at the site of Stead and Simpson, in Middle Street South.
Julie Leng, who manages the Driffield branch of Stead and Simpson, started the petition after hearing of the store’s potential closure on her return from holiday in Ireland.
“Obviously we are not happy about it. There is no point just standing there, I want to at least try to go to the council to see how many people are against it,” said Mrs Leng, who is heading the petition from a personal stance on behalf of herself and her colleagues.
She said: “We are the only middle of the road shoe shop in Driffield. People are going to have to go out of town, people do not want to travel to Hull or Bridlington.
“Why does Driffield need another bakery? We have at least 10 food outlets in a small market town, but only one shoe shop with a recognised name. What is happening in Driffield? A short while ago it was a pleasant market town in which to shop and visit.”
Six members of staff work in the Driffield Stead and Simpson, and could potentially face losing their jobs if the store was to close.
Mrs Leng, of Manorfield Road, Driffield will present the petition to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council before the Monday 27 May - the cut off date for appeals to be submitted.
East Riding Councillor Symon Fraser, who represents the Driffield and Rural ward, voiced his support of a Greggs coming to town.
“I think we should welcome new traders to the high street and particularly we should welcome national names to the high street,” said Coun Fraser.
He said: “I do not think any of our existing traders have anything to fear, because Driffield high street is populated with very good high quality existing traders.
“As long as they continue to deliver what Driffield residents want in terms of quality and value as they have in the past I am quite sure the Driffield people will continue to support the local trade.
“I am very regretful of course that there are people whose jobs may be under threat, but that is just real life.”
On Friday 26 April two planning applications were received by East Riding Council from Greggs, for 52B Middle Street South. The first was for an externally illuminated fascia sign and externally illuminated hanging sign, and the second for two air conditioning units and extractor grille.
However Greggs remain firm they cannot confirm their move to the town.
A spokesperson for Greggs said: “They do have an interest in opening a shop in Driffield. They are not in a position to confirm any further details at this stage.”
It is also thought Morrisons are to open an M Local store in the unit previously occupied by Blockbuster.
Julian Bailey, head of media relations at Morrisons, said: “I think we are in the position where we can’t make any confirmation on that at the moment. There are around 2,000 Blockbusters nationwide and we bought around 50 of them.”