Lib Dems slam Hampden Park Somerfield closure

12.00.00am GMT Tue 18th Mar 2008

Councillors and campaigners have slammed the decision by Somerfield to close their Hampden Park store at the back of Brassey Parade.

Hampden Park Councillor Mike Thompson said, "It's a real shame that Somerfield is to close on 18th April. Many residents have told me how much they rely on Somerfield for their shopping needs."

"Brassey Parade is an important local shopping hub, serving the people of Hampden Park. Somerfield is the largest store here and we must now allow it to be replaced by flats or other development. If Somerfields is to go, then it should be replaced by another food store.

Eastbourne Campaigner Stephen Lloyd added, "A couple of years ago local people supported my successful campaign to reopen the Post Office in Brassey Parade. To see its largest food store now disappear is a real blow for the many Hampden Park residents who use the Parade of shops regularly. Brassey Parade needs a large food store like Somerfield to help keep the other shops alive."

"Somerfield's own web site even says that their stores are supposedly better than out-of-town stores, as they are local and accessible. They also say that their stores help keep local traders and small shops alive. To close the Brassey Parade store now seems to go completely against their policy."

"The Lib Dems will be holding the Chief Executive of Somerfield, Mr Paul Mason, to account over this. I will be writing to him and will urge him to make sure that once Somerfield is closed, the site continues to be used as a food store in the future."