Hundreds favour local store to Sainsbury's arrival

Hundreds of Leamington residents have shown support for their local shop by signing a petition to oppose the building of a Sainsbury's store nearby.


The photograph shows the close proximity of Rai’s Convenience store opposite.

Plans for a new Sainsbury's Local store - on the former Oak Inn pub site at the junction of Radford Road and Willes Road - have been submitted to Warwick District Council, which the supermarket giant say will create up to 25 new jobs and bring further choice to residents in the area.

But a petition by local residents, supporting Rai Supermarket opposite the site, has already gained 400 signatures.

Owners fear the arrival of Sainsbury's will kill their family business.

Narinder Rai, 38, took over Rai Supermarket – a small family off-licence, grocery and convenience store - eight years ago, having been handed the reigns by mother Ajit and father Kewel.

And in spite of the support from local residents, he fears the business could face even tougher times ahead.

He said: “I reckon it could be as little as five or six months (before closure).

“Once their (Sainsbury's) foot is in the door, they'll take over because people's mentality is that it's the big brand so they'll shop there. We're not against supermarkets, we're just against them where they're not needed.”

The former Myton schoolboy added: “We provide a very personal service and I don't think Sainsbury's will be able to replicate that. People don't realise that's what they're going to lose.

"When we saw a local lady being put into an ambulance we rang the hospital to check how she was and even contacted her niece who was living in High Wycombe as she was unable to."

He added concerns Sainsbury's had initially said it would just be supplying basics like bread and milk but had since gone on to request an alcohol licence.

Shop user and local resident Vicky Kingsley, who has supported the petition, told the paper: “Mr Rai and his family are lovely and a real part of the community.

“They noticed when I'd gone to hospital for surgery and made sure I was okay. They also keep an eye on the more mature residents in the area, delivering where needed.

“I agree the pub site is an eyesore but there must be alternatives to direct competition and I doubt a small independent store will be able to compete with a national chain's ability to sell at cost or below cost prices.”

But Patrick Joyce, Sainsbury’s regional acquisitions manager, said of the company's plans: “The store will bring further choice to residents looking to top-up their shopping locally as well as regenerating a derelict site.

“We have worked hard with the council to address concerns and ensure the store fits well with the local area.”