CREDITON town councillors have objected to plans for a new Timpson kiosk at the town’s Tesco Superstore over fears it will harm local businesses.

Timpson Ltd is currently seeking planning permission from Mid Devon District Council for a kiosk that would offer dry cleaning, shoe repairs, key-cutting, engraving and photo processing at the entrance to the supermarket.

Crediton Town Council voted by majority to oppose the idea when it met on Tuesday, March 3. Mid Devon District Council will decide soon whether to grant or refuse planning permission.

“We're continually conceding ground with Tesco's and supermarkets,” said town councillor Giles Fawssett in an impassioned speech.

“It's about standing up and saying what do you value?

“I value our local High Street. It's a glorious High Street. It's got a cobblers. It's got key-cutting facilities.

“If we allow this to happen all the time, they will go. Our High Street will collapse.

“And that's how it collapses, step by step.”

Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking agreed, saying: “There's an economic argument against allowing this application on the basis that it undermines the economy of the High Street.

“I think that can be a material consideration. Tesco's business doesn't function on the basis of needing to have an extra service on its campus, as it were.

“Whereas the High Street does need independent businesses run by local people.”

And Cllr John Downes added: “The material decision will be made by the planning committee or the officer [at Mid Devon District Council]... but we need to send a message and the point that Liz has made is correct, we want to protect the local economy, the High Street, and that's why I'm objecting.”

You can see the planning application for the kiosk on the district council’s website under reference 26/00255/FULL.