LOCALS IN REVOLT AT GREGGS PLAN - VOWING TO BACK TRADITIONAL BAKER

Locals in a seaside market town have vowed to back their traditional bakers after Greggs revealed it was planning to open amid rapid expansion.

Conwy in north Wales has hosted a bakery of some kind on its site in Castle Street for hundreds of years, according to its current owners.

But the 700-year-old town is set to have another one just a few doors down - after Greggs submitted planning applications to put up its recognisable branding on a unit that was once home to a tapas restaurant.

The Newcastle-based chain, which has over 2,400 shops across the UK, says it will create two full-time and five part-time jobs with the new eatery.

Locals have reacted with anger, lamenting the move by a large national chain to move in just 50 metres down the road from the Popty Conwy Bakery.

Planning document suggest Greggs hope to operate the store for at least five years, having stated to the council it intends to display signage at the unit until March 2030.

Local comments reported by the Daily Post suggest it could have a fight on its hands, however - with residents vowing to stand by the bakery that was there first.

Big chains appear to have it tough in North Wales. A Costa opened on Castle Street in January 2015 but closed in April 2019. Staff were shifted to the cafe in Colwyn Bay, which shut last year.

One local opined: 'Not sure they'll last or do well there in all honesty, there are some of the best bakeries in the are in Conwy, same happened with Costa they just couldn't hold their own against the local run businesses and their quality.' 

Another said: 'Don't get me wrong, Greggs is tasty and affordable, nothing wrong with it.

'But no way if I'm in Conwy and want something baked am I not choosing the local bakery for a jammy donut - absolute platinum standard.'

A third added: 'Conwy bakery all the way only for me. Greggs has its place in certain towns but Conwy really isn't the right place for them.' 

The local shop has been serving up sweet and savoury treats after it was taken over by the Roberts family 17 years ago.

And its prices even rival the budget British bakery as their homemade sausage rolls cost just £1.20 compared to a Greggs sausage roll - recently hiked to £1.30.

The family bakery says it strives to 'offer delicious homemade baked goods, generously portioned and excellently valued.'

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2025-02-08T17:12:04Z