Storm in a coffee cup brews over Starbucks (From St Helens Star)
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Storm in a coffee cup brews over Starbucks
11:00am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in News
JOBS and investment versus neighbourhood opposition. That’s the storm in a coffee cup brewing over plans to locate a Starbucks ‘drive-thru’ at a busy junction.
The debate started to rage after the Star revealed there were plans to create the coffee shop on the Windle Island Service Station site.
Euro Garages Ltd, who are behind a planning application, have vowed to create 20 new jobs and recruit staff under the age of 24 to help with the unemployment crisis among young people.
The Star has received letters that insist the need for investment during the economic slump means the venue – for the chain which has huge popularity among consumers – should get the green light from the council.
One reader wrote: “People of Windle if you don’t like living in a busy town which is in need of business like Starbucks then move somewhere quieter with no change because the council would be mad not to allow this, our local young people need employment.”
However, campaigners living in Windle are determined to see the plans thrown out, arguing it will swell traffic at the dual carriageway junction and at exits and entrances to Bleak Hill Road.
They have experience of opposing such plans, having won a campaign a decade ago to block a McDonalds drive-thru.
Opponents list traffic, noise, litter and even the smell of coffee as reasons for their disapproval.
Veteran Tory Councillor Wally Ashcroft said: “The traffic there already gets snarled up. It’s a nightmare and we have been asking for years for something to reduce the traffic flow.
“There’s no reason why they can’t find a suitable area with less traffic.”
He suggested the former Carr Mill cafe site as an alternative location.
Starbucks, which would serve coffee, cakes and sandwiches, would be mainly for road users would also offer seating inside for 65 people and an outdoor patio for 16 people.
The land off the East Lancashire Road already houses a petrol station and Tesco Express store.
Comments(3)
papyt
says...
5:56pm Thu 2 Feb 12
PM
says...
1:22am Tue 7 Feb 12
As for papyt's assertion about the jobs being adequate or not, let's see what happens when Starbucks advertises the jobs, my guess is they will get at least 400 applications from local youngsters desperate to work.
This development will have minimal impact and I'd be amazed if any residents fall for Ashcroft's bluster.
efcpoll says...
12:24pm Thu 2 Feb 12
Starbucks would be a fantastic addition and would generate income and jobs in the area.
I love living in Windle, however the attitude most of the people living here show towards development is so irritating! First the McDonalds was blocked, now this!? Get with the times people!
Kiln Lane/Bleak Hill Road is also busy, however I don't see this level of fuss about the BocBoc cafe (which is great BTW) causing 'traffic, litter etc..."