The debate over the development of the new Sainsbury’s superstore in Llandeilo has taken a new twist with the arrival of the Sainsbury’s Public Relations (PR) team in the town.
This week, the PR team from JBP partners of Bristol, came to Llandeilo to determine public -opinion and to get feedback on the local support for the development.
The PR team took straw-poll soundings from people on Rhosmaen street and from visiting certain retailers.
They said the information they collected was confidential, but it is likely to show the developers that there is an underlying feeling of discontent about the planned store.
There are also worries about job losses in the area.
Llandeilo businessman Simon Buckley, who runs the town’s Evan-Evans brewery and The White Horse pub, said: “We spoke to Richard Brown from JBP yesterday.
“Far from allaying our fears, I am afraid he was unable to answer any of the questions we put to him. In particular, he chose not to answer specific questions.
“No one from Sainsbury’s will answer the questions as to how many jobs will be created.
“They have stated 70% will be part time and will not state what the annual wage bill is – and what the contribution to the local community will be in terms of wages and National Insurance.
“We have also asked now may of the 10,000 items sold in a Sainsbury’s store will come from the local community. To date, there has been no specific answer, only a general answer of 100 items sourced from Wales as a whole.
“We have asked our councillors to comment on whether there have been any inducements to Sainsbury’s to bring the store to Llandeilo, either in terms of rate-free periods or job creation grants. We await their answers.
“If this store gets planning permission, it will fly in the face of Carmarthenshire Council’s own Retail Impact Study.
“In 2009, the council’s own research stated there was no need for more than 600 additional sq metres of retail trading area in the whole of the north-east of the county by 2016.
“If that is the case, how can a development of more than 4300 square metres, and 2300 square metres of retailing space, be even considered, let alone passed by our councillors?
“Add to this pollution, traffic, and the wholesale destruction of the town centre retailing (which can be seen all over the UK where large stores are granted planning) and you would be sure to say No.
The Save Llandeilo Campaign is now gaining momentum and a detailed response to the planning application will be lodged in September.
