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Waitrose drops plans for a new store at Eclipse Park (image above) and will instead invest in its existing store at Allington
Waitrose plan at J7 is shelved
WAITROSE has pulled out of plans to build a new store on a commercial park at J7 of the M20 – safeguarding the future of the popular Allington store. The retailer indicated in recent
weeks that in the current economic climate it was likely to concentrate on improving its existing stores. Waitrose in Allington has 20
years to run on its lease and there had been serious worries it would shut if the J7 outlet, known as Eclipse Park, was built. Nick Yandle, spokesman for de-
veloper Gallagher, said: "We have had four other retailers contact us who are keen to progress matters on that site. "Waitrose management has indi-
cated (in the retail trade press) that it is part of a strategy for the chang- ing face of retail." Ian Chittenden, Liberal Democ-
rat county councillor for Maidstone north east division, said: "This is a great pity. The proposal to build a new Waitrose on Eclipse Park led indirectly to the closure of the Sit- tingbourne Road park and ride.
"The majority of larger applica-
tions locally usually raise many ob- jections due to concerns over traffic congestion and air pollution. "However, theWaitrose applica-
tion, which would have created 200 jobs locally,was extremely popular and well supported by councillors and especially by local residents who will be disappointed”. In a recent interview with the
trade magazine, Property Week, Nigel Keen,Waitrose's property di- rector, confirmed company policy was to consolidate on existing stores rather than invest in new ones. He said: "We made a very posi-
tive decision not to build new stores and invest in our existing es- tate.
"That will start to play at the end
of this year and into next year when consumers see the invest- ment we made and respond ac- cordingly." Waitrose, which is part of the
John Lewis Partnership, was ap- proached for a comment. The com- pany did not respond.
Keith braves the face shave
A GRAPHIC designer fromWest Malling has parted company with his hair and much-loved beard in an emotional tribute to his wife. Keith Wood took part in Macmil-
lan Cancer Support’s national fund- raising campaign, Brave the Shave, to raise funds. The 38-year-old, who took part in memory of his “gorgeous wife” Emma, believes she would be laugh- ing at his shaven features. Keith said: “Emma knew how
much I loved my beard and I know she’ll be watching down on me and laughing atmy new look.” Emma, who was diagnosed with
a brain tumour after a routine eye test detected an abnormality in 2011, married Keith in August 2012, but died on May 24 last year after her tumour returned. She was 36. He said: “After losing Emma I have wanted to do this for her but
extra 5% off Keith with his late wife Emma
have foundmyself being extremely selfish… It’s not really my hair I was that fussed about losing, it’s my beard! But as I know only too well, some people don’t get the lux- ury of swerving such a decision. “Emmanever really liked being the
centre of attention so while having my hair and beard hacked off is for her, it’s also to raise awareness for the real brave shavers – those who don’t have a choice but to be brave.” So far, Keith has raised more than £1,300 for the charity.
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