Leeds Sport
Ilkley to get new Morrisons convenience store
9:40pm Wednesday 6th April 2011
Supermarket giant Morrisons is moving into Ilkley.
The Bradford-based chain is to open a convenience store on the former Bradford College site of Bridge House.
The surprise announcement comes as Tesco prepares to build its controversial new supermarket off Mayfield Road, sparking more fears that independent retailers in the town will suffer.
Plans for the express-style shop were only confirmed after public notices for a licensing application to sell alcohol between 6am and midnight were pinned to the building on Bolton Bridge Road.
Paul Birch, chairman of Ilkley Business Forum, said he was surprised yet another large retailer was coming to Ilkley.
He said: “Whilst the forum is always happy to encourage competition and job creation, I get the feeling that local smaller retailers have their arms tied behind their backs and cannot compete on an equal basis and we are in danger of job switching rather than job creation, and ‘profit’ leaves the area.
“This seems to be a fait accompli, which nobody appears to have known was even pending."
For more details, read Thursday's Telegraph & Argus.