Posh market city residents lose battle in opposition to Greggs opening however ‘threaten boycott’

More than 1,000 people in Swaffham, Norfolk, signed a petition and locals threatened a boycott after the chain submitted plans to move into a vacant unit

Residents of the posh market town of Swaffham, Norfolk, have lost their fight to prevent a Greggs store from opening on their historic high street. Over 1,000 locals signed a petition and threatened a boycott when the bakery chain proposed moving into an empty unit.

The residents were against chain stores setting up shop on their beautiful Georgian high street, fearing that the new store would spell the end for a beloved family-run bakery. Despite opening last month without planning permission, locals held onto hope that the local council would enforce action against Greggs.

However, town hall bosses have retrospectively granted the bakery giant permission to remain open in the unit left vacant by a budget furniture store last year.

While Greggs didn’t need planning permission to use the former QD Furniture unit, they did apply to Breckland Council for approval for an illuminated sign, a new air conditioning system, and an outdoor seating area

Karl Chappell, a regular at the independent Wellbread Bakers in the town, started a petition against the new Greggs store, which garnered over 1,000 signatures.

Wellbread has been a staple in the town for several decades, and loyal customers vowed to boycott the rival bakery if it opened in the town.

Emma Godfrey, who co-runs the bakery with her hubby Andy, fears they’ll have to slash jobs if Greggs nicks their customers. She previously spilled the beans: “If Greggs decide in a year’s time that they don’t want to stay open in Swaffham, losing small businesses for the sake of one isn’t good for the town.”

“We are making enough money to pay for our outgoings and just enough to keep going. But if a big enough portion of our takings are lost, we’re going to have to look at different way to cut our costs.”

“Greggs isn’t a bakery per se as it is also a large chain coffee shop.”

“We have lots of independent coffee shops already. For visiting trade, people see a name they know and go in there rather than explore a little hidden gem.”

“Locals like to support people they know and they’d rather buy in places where they know where the money is going.”

“We have 14 team members here and every single one lives within five miles of Swaffham. It’s a shame this could be lost.”

Despite the concerns, Swaffham Town Council didn’t kick up a fuss over the plans.