Spar closures raise concern in Abergele and Colwyn Bay

Apr 21 2011 by Ian Hughes, North Wales Weekly News

CONVENIENCE stores in Abergele and Colwyn Bay are to be sold off.

International retailer Spar is selling 32 of its stores because they do not fit with “future strategy”, two of which are in the Bay and Gele.

The news has come as a shock to Abergele councillor Ron Peacock (pictured).

“I don’t want to see any shops closing in the town,” he said.

“You should be able to come out of your house and visit shops close to where you live.

“We have a Tesco but we need to look at the smaller businesses before we look at the big ones.”

He highlighted the county council’s current draft Local Development Plan.

“We need shops and jobs in the area before we need houses. If we have 800+ people moving to the area, where are they going to go? There should be a re-think about what is happening in the area,” he said.

He hoped that when sold, the Spar, on Market Street, would remain open as a similar premises.

Colwyn Bay councillor Janet Griffiths concurred: “It would definitely affect Station Road as it is becoming quieter.

“I also worry what would happen to the Post Office.

“I’d hope that whoever bought it would keep it open as a shop similar to the Spar.”

The estates of A F Blakemore and Son Ltd, and Capper & Co Ltd, who own the Spar chain, are being marketed for sale by Christie and Co.

Twenty-two of the stores are located in the north east, eastern counties, Midlands and south-west of England, with a further 10 in Wales.

While the leasehold opportunity is available on the majority of the stores, two have the freehold available.

Both companies recently reviewed their estates – with the stores being sold identified as not fitting with future strategy.