We have been taken to task over a piece we wrote last week – and quite properly so!
Writing about the closure of the Somerfield supermarket on London Road, we referred to it as being in an “awkward location”
Of course, it all depends on where you live – as Councillor Alison Austin, who represents South Ward was quick to point out.
“I consider its site to be just the opposite, namely extremely accessible and very convenient for the south east quadrant of Boston,” she said.
“Since the improved traffic flow up Spalding Road, where there now are rarely any serious hold-ups, this store can be reached very easily by anyone living in Wyberton, Frampton or Kirton - as well as residents of the south east section of the town. “Moreover, it can easily be accessed from the north east of the river when coming from the Skirbeck Road direction, over the Haven Bridge and left onto High Street South and London Road.
“For residents of much of my ward, South Ward, Somerfield was an extremely well-placed supermarket. 
“Councillor Mike Gilbert has already commented likewise for residents of Central Ward. 
“Asda and Tesco are only easily reached from certain areas and can involve serious traffic congestion at peak times.
“The Spar shops in the locality are very ‘convenient.’ especially at odd times, but they do not carry the stock for the average weekly shop.
“‘Poor trading performance’ is also cited. 
“That is hardly surprising since the Co-op has repeatedly run down the amount and variety of its stock, and also has considerably reduced the area of shelving, leaving vast empty areas within the store.
“In recent years many residents in the areas mentioned above have got used to turning the opposite way and travelling down the A16 to either Morrison’s or Sainsbury’s stores in Spalding.
It is to be hoped that one of these two firms would now capitalize on the fact that they have an established following amongst the Boston population and move into the soon-to-be vacant site. 
“Admittedly the existing store is extremely dated, being little better than a tin can, and should be demolished and replaced by a new one. 
“London Road offers a large, easily accessed site with a big population waiting to be served.”
Good points all – and whilst Morrison’s have already ruled out a move to London Road, we can think of no reason why Sainsbury’s should not be approached to see if they would consider coming to Boston.
In the top ten pecking order of favourite supermarkets, Tesco is number one, followed by ASDA, and then Sainsbury’s.
The company already has stores in Spalding, Stamford, Lincoln, Spilsby, and Bourne, and a seventh was planned for Louth – but strong local opposition led to the application being refused … although the developers are considering an appeal.
Boston Borough Council’s economic development strategy includes a pledge to “Develop the business environment in order to allow existing business to grow and to also attract new and competitive industry to the borough.”
It would be nice to think that the council is putting out feelers to Sainsbury’s to see if they can be encouraged to come to Boston – after all, it is something of a slight on the town that they have branches in some many other Lincolnshire towns but not us.
Boston is already well-served by bargain basement shops. Not that long ago, the  former  Kwik Save store  was taken on by the budget chain B and M Bargains – joining a long list including  QD, Poundstretcher, Poundland,  and Home Bargains –  and that list doesn’t include a number of  local cut price outlets.
The nearest we came to a new big name store that would have drawn more shoppers to the town was the doomed Merchants Quay project, which featured Debenhams as an “anchor” store.
Then Debenhams pulled out of the deal, the developers failed and were taken over … and the glittering dream turned to ashes.
Now there’s a glimmer of a chance.
So come on Boston Borough Council – roll out the welcome mat and press to move shopping to the town further up the ladder.

 

You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.

Our former blog is archived at: http://bostoneyelincolnshire.blogspot.com