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This is not just any shop bid . . . .
RUMOURS are circulating that the WH Smith store in High Street, Chippenham, may be replaced with a Marks and Spencer Simply Food shop.
The freeholder, Antony Radcliffe, got planning permission from North Wiltshire District Council last week for the replacement of internal partitions.
Since then rumours have been flying around that WH Smith is to relocate and Marks and Spencer is to move in.
Although WH Smith has remained tight lipped, it has not denied a move.
A spokesman said: "All we would like to say is that we want to stay in Chippenham.
"We would also like to reassure staff working at that branch that their jobs are safe at the moment and they would be the first to know if this changed."
One staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, is concerned that, if the branch moved, she would be out of a job.
She said: "I have done some research and the only job available is one in Bath - too far for me to travel.
"I hope the store does stay open because I think the people of Chippenham need a local newsagents on their doorstep.
"I just want to know what is going on."
Marks and Spencer has also been coy about the situation. A spokesman said: "We are keen to open a new store in Chippenham and have been for a while.
"At this stage we cannot comment on any new premises we might be looking at.
"We think a Marks and Spencer Simply Food store would be well received."
The retailer has already opened Simply Food Stores in Devizes and Marlborough and has a presence at the M4 services at Leigh Delamare, near Chippenham.
Meanwhile, plans for a town centre Waitrose store seem to have stalled.
North Wiltshire District Council confirmed there had been no advancement with the application to grant permission for a store on the Bath Road car park site.
The council and Chippenham Chamber of Commerce are meeting to discuss the project on March 27. Both the district council and Chippenham Chamber of Commerce back the plan.
In January Waitrose outlined plans to redevelop Bath Road car park.
This week the district council confirmed it had not yet put the site out to tender to other supermarkets, which it must do before Waitrose can move in.
It is believed Wiltshire County Council wants the Bath Road car park and Bridge Centre roundabout to be redeveloped as one site as part of the 2020 plan to regenerate the town, but Waitrose has indicated it is only interested in the car park site.
2:08pm Thursday 20th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Anon emouse, Around and about on 4:14pm Thu 20 Mar 08
Does anyone know whats going on in Chippenham, sound like a shambles
Does anyone know whats going on in Chippenham, sound like a shambles
Posted by: spooks, calne on 7:17pm Thu 20 Mar 08
can not see a marks and sparks food working there at all if the rumours are true.
www.calnetalk.com
can not see a marks and sparks food working there at all if the rumours are true.
www.calnetalk.com
Posted by: TonyJanson, Chippenham on 8:21am Sat 22 Mar 08
It`s all good publicity for both firms.
It`s all good publicity for both firms.
Posted by: TonyJanson, Chippenham on 8:34am Sat 22 Mar 08
M and S dont usually have shops on flood plains ! !
M and S dont usually have shops on flood plains ! !
Posted by: The Maxter, Chippenham on 11:13am Sat 22 Mar 08
I'm simply confused..
Posted by: Grumps, Chippenham on 10:18am Mon 24 Mar 08
An M&S and Waitrose in Chippenham will not work.
A Pound stretcher or Aldi's maybe.
An M&S and Waitrose in Chippenham will not work.
A Pound stretcher or Aldi's maybe.
Posted by: Tax Payer, Chippenham on 11:15am Mon 24 Mar 08
wahoo come on M&S I'll be buying your food. It will be nice to have a quality shop in the town and not all cheap stuff. Chippenham is more up market than that.
wahoo come on M&S I'll be buying your food. It will be nice to have a quality shop in the town and not all cheap stuff. Chippenham is more up market than that.
Posted by: clarence81, Chippenham on 11:37am Tue 25 Mar 08
I would love an M&S food hall! I hate all of the cheap & nasty shops that have taken over Chippenham.
I would love an M&S food hall! I hate all of the cheap & nasty shops that have taken over Chippenham.
Posted by: moonraker1, chippenham on 12:04pm Tue 25 Mar 08
M&S Food Shop..... NOW WAY..... Chippenham is desperate for more charity shops, more building societys, the people of Chippenham are crying out for more Shoe shops and coffee shops, and not an upmarket food shop.
M&S Food Shop..... NOW WAY..... Chippenham is desperate for more charity shops, more building societys, the people of Chippenham are crying out for more Shoe shops and coffee shops, and not an upmarket food shop.
Posted by: mjhudston, Chippenham, Wiltshire on 12:42pm Tue 25 Mar 08
Its about time us posh people were accounted for in Chippenham. Either that or we need another mobile phone outlet. I dont htink Chippenham has enough of them.
Its about time us posh people were accounted for in Chippenham. Either that or we need another mobile phone outlet. I dont htink Chippenham has enough of them.
Posted by: The Maxter, Chippenham on 8:34am Wed 26 Mar 08
I'm still waiting for a Mercedes dealership. Its such a grind traveling to Swindon to get the car serviced.
I'm still waiting for a Mercedes dealership. Its such a grind traveling to Swindon to get the car serviced.
Posted by: babyboo, chippenham on 11:11am Wed 26 Mar 08
THIS IS CHIPPENHAM NOT BATH
THIS IS CHIPPENHAM NOT BATH
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