SPECSAVERS is moving into Leigh...right next door to an opticians, and across the road from another!

The national chain is expected to move into the Broadway next month.

Paul Sayer, co-owner of Broadway Opticians, whose business is next door, said his objection was not entirely business related. He said: “With a few notable exceptions, Leigh has managed to stay relatively ‘chain free’ for the past decade or so. Residents are proud of the fact we have bucked the trend towards a ‘clone town’ type retail environment and supported small and independent retailers. To me, the opening of another supermarket chain in the guise of Specsavers is bad for the community and further damages the unique, independent feel to The Broadway.”

In the last few years, the town has succumb to Costa, Subway and Tesco.

Leigh town councillor Carole Mulroney, said: “Planning legislation doesn’t differentiate between shops so there is not always a lot we can do.

“I do agree, whole heartedly, with keeping Leigh filled with individual, local shops. But it is concerning to see Specsavers move next to an opticians and across the road from another one. It’s not very logical.”

Bernard Arscott, a Leigh councillor, added: “I have had contact with businesses who are concerned. Unfortunately, we are limited to what we can. There is a real concern that we are seeing more chains move into Leigh, that will totally change its character.”

Optometrist John Staunton, who co-owns the Specsavers in Southend and lives locally with his family said: ‘We hope the opening of our new store in February will have a positive impact on the community in Leigh and it will create seven new jobs.

“Over the years we have had several customers from Leigh stress the difficulties getting into Southend to see us. In fact a large percentage of our customers in Southend actually live in Leigh, so we will be able to provide the same fantastic services and products at a more convenient location.”

However Dave Crix, who runs Rhythm Shack, added: “Chains kill the very essence of the Broadway. “Specsavers will almost certainly end a long-established neighbouring business. The real question on everybody’s lips is why is the council allowing this? It would seem they don’t understand the community.”