Co-op accused of double standards following mainland store objection
Ryan Taylor
The Co-op has been accused of double standards after it called on a North East local authority to turn down a new discount store.
The supermarket chain has voiced concerns over the potential impact a new Aldi in Macduff could have on its own store in nearby Banff.
Hundreds of residents have reportedly written to Aberdeenshire Council, insisting the new development is badly required.
But the Co-op has called on the council to refuse Aldi’s bid.
It comes after controversial plans for a new Co-op in Scalloway were approved by Shetland Islands Council.
Only last month Seamount Property Development – the organisation behind the new Scalloway store, as well as a similar development in Sandwick – argued the supermarkets would create jobs and improve choice. The new isles stores have both been approved.
Shetland Central councillor Moraig Lyall stood down from the planning committee following the Scalloway decision, citing concerns over the amount of say councillors actually have over planning decisions.
Responding to the latest story, she said the boot was on the other foot.
“It’s interesting to see that the concerns that were raised in connection with the Scalloway development … are the very same concerns that are being used here by the Co-op to lobby against a rival supermarket in a location where they, the Co-op, currently are the established trader.”
Seamount has been approached for a response.
Lynne Peachey
The Co-op are renowned even down here in The Forest of Dean. They do everything to prevent people benefitting from the choice of a “discount” store. I have visite dShetland and was surprised that you did not have eithe Lidl or Aldi. The Co-op should not have a monopoly on grocery sales and the population should have the option of eating withina small budget. Tesco does not fulfil this criteria. So come on Shetland Islands Council – allow your population some effective choice!
Peter Sinclair
We have Aldi in perth Western Australia they are an overseas company so all profits go back to the owners. Not much is put back into the local area. Also their products are generally low quality & not made in the country where Aldi has shops, ie UK Shetland so the money trail goes back overseas. Beware once the local business are gone they will not come back. Support the locals first