Save Our Sainsbury's campaign hits petition milestone

Over 500 people have signed a petition to keep the popular Sainsbury's supermarket in Gloucester city centre open after its closure was announced.

Liberal Democrat Dr Rebecca Trimnell launched the petition after learning the supermarket in Northgate Street will close.

The supermarket giant has been in the same location for 50 years and the store is a vital lifeline for people who live near the city centre.

It is also well-used by shoppers who travel into the city centre on public transport from across the city.

Since Dr Trimnell launched the petition three weeks ago over 500 people have signed it and the Liberal Democrats have written to the chief executive of Sainsbury's PLC to express the strength of feeling locally.

Dr Trimnell, who is a Lib Dem campaigner for the Westgate area including the city centre, said: "I want to thank everyone who has signed the petition so far.

"Each extra person signing the petition adds weight to the campaign to keep the store open. The Sainsbury's store is the only decent size supermarket left in the city centre and is well used by a loyal group of shoppers.

"There are other supermarkets in the city centre, but they are a lot smaller and do not stock the range of goods that Sainsbury's offers.

"For older people or those who do not have a car, this store is a vital lifeline for the community living close to the city centre.

"The only other choice is going to a large out of town supermarket, which could be difficult if you don't drive."

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, who represents Kingsholm & Wotton, added: "City councillors will this week debate a motion I tabled to try and keep the store open.

"We are asking the city council to back our campaign 100%. It is an extra special supermarket.

"I worked there as a teenager and still use the store regularly, as do many Kingsholm residents. It would be a great loss to the community if it were to close."

The motion, which will be debated by councillors, says:

This council notes that J Sainsbury PLC has announced the closure of its

popular city centre store on Northgate Street.

This council notes that this wonderful supermarket has been serving customersfor nearly half a century.

This council agrees that it should do all it can to stop the supermarket's closure by persuading J Sainsbury PLC to keep it open.

The petition can be signed here