Duke is right - Marple does not need a big store. A large supermarket (and it wouldn't just sell food) would close many independent shops in the town and reduce choice for shoppers. It would also be out of proportion for the needs of Marple residents and would therefore draw in traffic and shoppers from outside the area, causing congestion, pollution and accidents. It would not benefit the local economy as studies have shown that over 50% of money spent in independent shops is returned to the local economy, as compared with as little as 5% from supermarkets whose money goes to shareholders and corporations. Jobs would also be lost as a study by the National Retailer Planning Forum found that 276 local jobs were lost for each supermarket which opened, due to loss of local shops and businesses. Food miles would increase as independent shops tend to source supplies locally, whereas supermarket supplies travel great distances from supply depots. And if we want to consider the environment, 35% to 40% of all household waste which ends up in landfilll is generated by the big five supermarkets. If we must have another store there is no justification for a big supermarket on Hibbert Lane.
