More than 30 people attended a public meeting to discuss the idea of setting up a community-owned shop in Leeds city centre.
The meeting at The Adelphi pub aimed to gauge how much support there might be for for the idea. A group of individuals are concerned over the recent closure of local store Simpsons in Dock Street, near Brewery Wharf, and floated the idea of launching a community-run shop similar to the Natural Food Store in Headingley.
One of the organisers, Rob Greenland, told attendees at The Adelphi Pub last night:
"Most of the people here will have seen Simpsons as being more than a shop - and being more than just a place where you get your bread and milk. There was something a lot more about it - it was part of the community.
"I'm interested in exploring the ideas for a community-run shop, but what ultimately happens will be down to the people here tonight."
But residents were told that they would have to act quickly if they were to set up their own enterprise as there had already been interest from other businesses in the former Simpsons shop.
One local resident said:
"We need to set up a shop that's unique and will attract people's loyalty. If we don't sell homogenised garbage then it will stand out like a beacon. You might as well just set up a Tesco's if you just want the usual stuff - we need convenience, but good convenience."
Another said:
"It needs to be a business people want to support, want to shop at but also want to buy shares in. It needs community spirit - but is there any in the city centre? It's a young, transient population."
Ideas put forward for the former Simpsons shop included a friendly deli, a place to meet and eat as well as shop, a shop that sells produce from other independent traders such as La Bottega Milanese and Swillington Farm.
The meeting also heard about different business models, including forming a co-operativre or a community benefit society.
Rob Greenland said that he would collate all the ideas put forward by residents - be it for a community shop or just a shop - put out a more detailed questionnaire and, if there was still support for the idea, hold another meeting shortly. He added:
"It's up to local people what they want to make happen."
What do you think? Have your say in the comments section.
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