Mall could spell end for CCF store (From Western Telegraph)

Mall could spell end for CCF store

THE new shopping mall planned for Cardigan could mean that one of the area's longest established local businesses will leave the town.

Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers Co-op says it is considering relocation, but added that options are limited and the future of the company in the town was very uncertain.

"This is an enormous concern to local people, especially to farmers," said farmer David George, of Dyffryn, Llangoedmor.

"Large numbers of customers are very worried that we might lose this store. It is one of the company's most successful and profitable branches, thanks in a large part to the commitment of the staff there. It would be appalling if this branch were to close."

Five people are employed at the Cardigan outlet.

Developer Eatonfield (Holdings) Ltd has offered the Co-op land at New Mill Road, next to the site of their planned out of-town superstore and petrol station and the company has also been offered premises in the new town centre.

But Co-op's general manager said: "The money we will get for our current site in the town centre is well short of the funding we would need to build new premises at the out-of-town site. It's more than £1million short. And the rents in the new town development are much too high for us."

Mr Gosney is writing to Co-op members and customers and is talking with the Welsh Development Agency about the option of taking on a unit at Parc Teifi. "The WDA has said it is not in favour, but I am continuing to press to give it more consideration," added Mr Gosney.

The company is also considering developing its site at Glanrhyd and upgrading stores at Newcastle Emlyn and Crymych.

Rob Lloyd, managing director of Eatonfield, said: "We have actually exchanged contracts with the Co-op on the purchase of their present Cardigan site. We have offered them other options. The ball is in their court."