Rather a coffee-chain branch than some boarded-up shop (From The Argus)

Rather a coffee-chain branch than some boarded-up shop

6:44pm Sunday 5th July 2009 in News

Surely the fact Starbucks wanted to open a branch in St James’s Street, Brighton, and fought so hard to stay open (The Argus, July 2) is a massive vote of confidence in the area?

It is already a very different street to how it was 13 or 14 months ago when the outlet first opened.

Several cafés, restaurants and other businesses have closed and Starbucks is not to blame. Other independent coffee shops continue to thrive.

While it is admirable to seek to preserve unique and quirky areas of the city, what happens when the small traders are simply not there?

London Road is having the same debate. The protesters were jubilant at having fought off Tesco but it may be a very hollow victory as the regeneration it would have brought will be hard to achieve otherwise.

London Road may continue to present a grim and shabby shopping experience for years to come without some big names on board.

Many properties already lie empty on St James’s Street and it can quickly fall derelict – as has happened in the past. This would be bad for all local businesses and residents.

I, for one, would much prefer the Sussex Stationers which stood there before.

An independent restaurant or store would also be lovely but what I’d really hate to see would be a boarded-up shop ripe for graffiti or squatters.

I am therefore pleased to see another thriving and successful business bring-ing people to St James’s Street.

And if you really hate Starbucks – nobody forces you through the door.

Brian Snow Upper Rock Gardens, Brighton