Kwik Save closure hits local shopping centre (Lewisham Liberal Democrats)

Lewisham Liberal Democrats <info@lewishamlibdems.org.uk>

Kwik Save closure hits local shopping centre

June 4, 2007 12:00 AM

Lee Green Councillor, Brian Robson, has expressed concern after the sudden closure of a local discount supermarket. Kwik Save in the Leegate Centre appears to be on of the 79 supermarkets shut by the struggling discount chain. Shoppers arriving at the store found the shutters down and the unit closed for business.

Councillor Robson commented, "I am very concerned about this sudden closure, and the effect it will have on our local precinct. There are already a number of empty units in the centre, and we can't afford any more closures - especially of a unit this size."

Councillor Robson has written to the site's owners, St Modwen properties, to ask for clarification on the status of the unit.

Brian said, "We've been working with the St Modwen to try and bring improvements to the centre, and the Kwik Save closure is certainly a set back."

The unit has traditionally traded as a Kwik Save, though former owners Somerfield operated it under their own brand for a year or two, before it reverted to the Kwik Save format. Local shoppers had expressed concern at the low levels of stock in store since Kwik Save took over.

If the site's owners confirm the lease is up for grabs, Councillor Robson plans to write to rival supermarket operators to ask them to take a look at the unit.