The ongoing campaign to bring a Waitrose to Tunbridge Wells was given a glimmer of hope last week – from the people of Evesham in Worcestershire.
Tunbridge Wells has become the butt of jokes in the national press which remind readers that without a Waitrose, the town is not as middle class as it likes to think.
One of these articles in the Daily Mail – which claimed residents are ‘fuming’ with the opening of discount store Wilko instead of Waitrose – inspired one Evesham resident to write to us with an offer of help.
Rosemary Hepworth said: “I was sorry to read in the Daily Mail that you are not getting a Waitrose.
“They are building one here in Evesham Worcs that we don’t particularly want, if this of any interest to you?
“We don’t really think Evesham is the right sort of town for a Waitrose, it’s a bit rural. Most of the locals prefer ALDI.”
She continued: “Anyone wanting to shop is more likely to head for Cheltenham, thereby not getting stuck in the traffic which is at a constant standstill owing to a one way system.
“In fact they will get to Cheltenham quicker than trying to get round Evesham.
“The Waitrose is also taking away the large car park which is the only coach park as well, but naturally the powers that be on the council know best.”
The Times asked Waitrose if they would consider relocating their Evesham store to Tunbridge Wells.
A spokesman for the supermarket said: “I’m afraid we can’t move our planned store in Evesham, however, we do remain keen to have a Waitrose in Royal Tunbridge Wells one day.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we continue to receive from many local people.
“While we know the town is absolutely the right location for us, we have just not been able to find the right scheme to date.”
