Costa would be welcomed

I saw your story saying that residents and traders had lost their battle to stop Costa Coffee coming to Bakewell (Mercury, December 27).

You should be aware that only a few residents and traders actually do object to Costa coming to Bakewell.

Most residents and a majority of traders simply do not object and indeed a lot welcome Costa to Bakewell.

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Arguably it would have been good to see an independent retailer in the premises concerned but given that none has taken it and it has been an off-putting empty blot for such a long time - since summer 2011 - this is ultimately better than what we currently have.

If nothing else Costa will attract increased footfall into that part of Bakewell and a number of those people will realise there are other, smaller and at least as attractive businesses there including an alternative coffee / snack shop that is a much different proposition and that many will choose instead.

Other businesses will also feel that footfall effect and benefit from it.

Currently lots of visitors simply stand a moment at the corner by the Bakewell Bookshop - look up King Street including the view of that big and obviously empty shop - then turn and walk back along Matlock Street. It is off putting. Anything that gets them up the street is better than that.

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The actual objections to Costa are not being made terribly clear by those who are opposing them and there is a danger that in some cases there is simply a fear of competition.

That should not be the response to a company that wants to open in Bakewell and to create employment - if other traders fear Costa the answer for them is to offer something different that attracts and keeps customers.

Denis Mooney

Bakewell