Has Greggs met its match in Swaffham amid Wellbread Bakers backlash?

It is one of the country’s best-known chains, following its relentless march through towns and cities the length and breadth of Britain.

But has Greggs finally met its match in Swaffham?

Plans for a new store in the Norfolk market town have sparked a wave of opposition from locals.

The Lynn News reported earlier this month on fears that the proposals will be catastrophic for Wellbread Bakers, a family-run business that has been part of the community for more than 40 years - and more than 1,000 people have now signed a petition in support of the local firm.

While some say the proposals will breathe new life into an empty store, large numbers of locals say there is simply no demand for a Greggs – with some pledging to boycott the controversial store if it opens.

WHAT ARE THE PLANS?

Greggs is seeking permission from Breckland Council to move into the former QD Furniture Store in Swaffham’s Market Place.

The budget retailer closed in December after two years in the town, and the unit has been vacant since.

There was previously a Greggs in Swaffham, at the service station on the A47.

However, it closed down and the nearest outlets are currently in Dereham and Downham.

Swaffham’s town centre already has several cafes and bakeries, including Costa Coffee, Subway and Morrisons Daily.

BAKERY UNDER THREAT

Karl Chappell, a regular customer at Wellbread Bakers in the Market Place, launched the petition against the new Greggs store.

Wellbread has been based in the town for several decades but could face huge financial losses under the new proposals.

Emma Godfrey, who runs the bakery alongside her husband Andy, said the business would be forced to make redundancies if passing trade was lost to the chain.

She said: “It’s definitely a concern and would be a huge blow for us. We have countless eateries in the town already and every time a new one opens it chips away.

“This isn’t a bit of healthy competition, this is our life and we’re only a small business.

“There just isn’t enough footfall here to support all of us. When I started working at the bakery there were queues down the street – you don’t see queues anymore.”

LOCALS PUSH BACK

Tony Knappett, who regularly shops at Wellbread, said he would not be visiting the new Greggs if the plans are approved.

He added: “I get a decent loaf of bread at Wellbread and if they close down I won’t get a decent loaf of bread anymore.

“You can’t get stuff like it anywhere else.”

Aine Matthews, 22, added: “I’m happy with what we’ve already got in Swaffham.

“The bakery has been here for so many years and Greggs isn’t going to offer anything new.”

Other business owners have criticised the arrival of chain outlets in the town and said several shops had been forced to close in recent years.

Firat Simsek, who works at Swaffham Cafe, said: “If we don’t support each other then these big brands will take over – it’s not fair on us. We must protect small businesses.”

The plans are even unpopular with those on holiday in the town.

Anthony Artiss, who lives in Felixstowe and was visiting Swaffham with his wife Christine, said: “The Greggs will swallow the town. We like these individual shops – a chain like that will destroy this place.”

WILL GREGGS GET THE GO-AHEAD?

The proposals are not opposed by everyone – with some locals fans of the food and others hopeful to see a vacant unit brought back into use.

Robert Coleman, who lives in Swaffham, said: “I’d rather see a Greggs open than look at an empty shop front.

“I don’t think it will affect other businesses but I wonder how well it will do.”

Swaffham Town Council has also said it has no objections to the plans, which will ultimately be determined by Breckland Council.

The application will be considered in due course.

Greggs was contacted by the Lynn News for comment earlier this month, but failed to respond.