Co-op plans slammed by Green candidate
Ryan Taylor
Fresh criticism has been made against plans for two new Co-ops.
The Green Party branch says planned stores in Scalloway and Sandwick “directly threaten” local shops.
List candidate Debra Nicolson insists the new stores could compromise food security.
“In recent years, Shetland has made great progress in developing a high quality sustainable food industry,” she said.
“As we enter the uncertain era of climate breakdown we must continue to develop resilience around food production and distribution. More supermarkets would lead to vulnerability and dependence, and would represent a huge step backwards for Shetland.”
The Green Party has voiced support for the development of a circular economy, centred on local farmers, businesses and community enterprises.
Green Party member and Bigton resident Wendy Pope said: “These two new stores will lead to a net loss of dozens of local jobs, which would have a significant negative impact on our rural communities.”
Mrs. Sandra Brooks
I can understand the concerns of Sandwick bakery but the co-op coming to Sandwick Could in fact benefit them by bringing more people into Sandwick to do their shopping, a similar situation arose in my own locality and people were against having a Lidl & Aldi arriving in the town on top of the three supermarkets we already had, it has actually worked well and the local butchers & market have not really suffered as people now travel here to shop. So don’t dismiss the arrival of another shop in Sandwick as it may well work very well in that people won’t travel into Lerwick but instead shop local at both shops.