SOUTH WOODFORD: Woolworths replaced by international supermarket (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

SOUTH WOODFORD: Woolworths replaced by international supermarket

2:21pm Monday 11th May 2009

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AFTER months of waiting, the rumours about what will replace Woolworths in George Lane can finally be put to bed, as an international supermarket sets up in its place.

Following concerns that the South Woodford Woolworths was becoming an eyesore, with the shop standing empty since January after the national chain collapsed in December, a new trader is preparing to fill the void.

Rather than the suspected arrival of cheap clothing giant Primark, the failed franchise will be replaced by an international supermarket, rumoured to be of Turkish ownership.

But the news has been received with mixed feelings by both shoppers and traders.

Kerk Davies, of the South Woodford Business Partnership, said: "It's better to have something than nothing, but whether we need another supermarket in South Woodford is questionable.

"I've used lots of Turkish supermarkets but I don't know if it will work in George Lane.

"I've heard that it may be part of a chain and I personally would prefer more independent shops here.

"One or two traders have mentioned their concerns about having a Turkish supermarket on the street, saying they're not sure how it's going to work, but what they mean by that is open to interpretation."

Owner of Café on the Lane, Deborah Cannell, said: "A lot of people have been coming into the café cheesed off about it, saying it won't fit in with the area.

"There's a lot of bad feeling about it but I like the area being multicultural and don't really see the problem."

Juliette Nissim of Time Jewellery added: "It's better than having an empty store because it's become quite an blight in such a small street, and to be quite honest George Lane has been becoming more multicultural for a while.

"It's happening all over the country and if it brings nice people into the area to spend money then fine."

Shopper Emma Madeley, Of Hill Crest Road, however, feels the supermarket will not fill the gap that Woolworths has left.

She said: "We were hoping for something much more useful for the people in the area, such as a 99p store, because at least that would cover a bit of what Woolworths did.

"Generally people don't have a need for an international supermarket but they do have a need for cheap stationary and kitchen appliances.

"The last thing we need is more places to buy food and I think people will start shopping elsewhere for the things that Woolworths provided."

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