Town grinds out result over Costa
THE town of Totnes, that prides itself on its independent shops, is celebrating after a national coffee chain withdrew plans to open a branch.
A very British insurrection was launched this summer when Costa Coffee applied for planning permission to bring an outlet to Totnes.
Several thousand people in the town signed a petition against Costa and pledged to boycott the new branch if it opened, warning that Totnes risked become a "clone town".
The notocosta.co.uk website was also launched and campaigners enlisted the support of award-winning author Joan Brady, a former resident. The granting of planning permission by South Hams District Council was greeted by a 150-strong group of placard-wielding demonstrators who marched through Totnes's streets in protest. The town is well known for its "alternative" image and has a resident community of writers, therapists, musicians and herbalists, as well as 41 independent coffee outlets.
no call out fee and no fee to price a job its free,
Contact: 01752 781832
Valid until: Sunday, June 02 2013
In face of opposition, Costa has decided not to open the store on the High Street.
The decision was announced in a letter circulated to local residents by Costa and co-signed by local MP Dr Sarah Wollaston and Pruw Boswell, Mayor of Totnes.
In a statement posted on the notocosta.co.uk website, campaigners said: "We are absolutely delighted to hear from Costa Coffee's managing director Chris Rogers of their decision to withdraw from Totnes. We are impressed Costa has taken the time to understand our town, its economy and the 5,700 people who signed the petition asking Costa to reconsider."
Comments
by CharlieDodd
Friday, October 26 2012, 11:52PM
“Maybe we Plymouth citizens could hire the people of Totnes to come and save us from the loss of our airport and the building of an incinerator like The Magnificent Seven saved people?”
by MissAnthrope
Friday, October 26 2012, 9:11PM
“It's odd how the people of Totnes have happily voted in Tory MP Sarah Woolaston, and happily rake money in money from big business into their trust funds and investments so they can afford to live there in the first place, yet seem not to realise how hypocritical it makes them look when they selectively reject the very same type of big business that swells their very own bank accounts simply because it appears in their back yard.”
by CharlieDodd
Friday, October 26 2012, 8:39PM
“I think the Totnes people are seeing how big businesses are swamping nearby Exeter making the town look like one big soul-less business park and want none of that in Totnes..:)”
by Devonrobbie
Friday, October 26 2012, 2:52PM
“I think the people of Totnes see themselves as something rather "precious" & expect to be treated differently from everyone else. Here in Tavistock, we've had to endure a Costa, so why should they get away with it!”
by leroc
Friday, October 26 2012, 1:36PM
“Tavistock is similar to Totnes but has many thriving coffee shops including an always packed Costa!”
by trudie2010
Friday, October 26 2012, 1:27PM
“Well done Totnes, the reason people go there is because it is different, we don't all like big chains.”
by an20na
Friday, October 26 2012, 1:19PM
“The people of Totnes are to be applauded. Praise to 'Costa' for realising that the viability of such an establishment would not have been assured in this unique town. The individual shops are superb, long may they reign. A great pity Plymouth doesn't take a page out of their book.”
by karenroth
Friday, October 26 2012, 12:47PM
“Fantastic. Not only is Costa a chain, but their coffee is the worst I've ever tasted, Totnes has had a lucky escape.”