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Morrisons move has left us cut off

17/12/2001

ANGRY Eccles traders say they are being left to count the cost of town centre regeneration.

They are furious that the "life-support system" of Morrisons was cut off from the precinct before new tenants were found.

And they blame precinct owners Eagle Star for not giving them more back-up in their battle for survival.

Amid rumours of which traders were going this week, there have been a number of confirmed casualties.

Watsons' greengrocers store has closed as has Kingfisher cafe and the precinct's mobile phone store, although the phone store's former tenants Greenwood's outfitters are planning to move back.

Jackie Farrell, of Farrell's Heel Bar, on Southway contacted The Advertiser after our article about Lord Falconer praising the town's regeneration during the opening of the new bus interchange.

"What the article failed to mention is that since Morrisons moved every business in The Mall, Southway and Boothway is struggling to stay afloat.

"Instead of bringing business into the town as we were promised, shoppers are going straight to the new Morrisons and ignoring the precinct."

Ken Bullen, of Bon Voyage cafe on Church Street, added: "I notice that Lord Falconer didn't come into the precinct - he would have got a different picture if he had.

"Eagle Star should be hanging their heads in shame."

A spokesperson for Morrisons said: "We are continuing to work with Eagle Star to find new tenants for the precinct store."

Workman and Partners, managing agents for Eagle Star, were unavailable for comment.