Residents have reacted to the idea of Subway potentially bringing a store to Sidmouth.
The Herald reported last week how the town is on the company’s list of potential franchise locations.
Subway revealed a number of targeted towns where it wanted to open stores in the South West, which also included Honiton.
Speaking to the Herald, Kevin Graham, Subway’s business development agent for Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, said Sidmouth was definitely on its radar for a development site.
He added that it had been looking for the ‘right properties’ in Sidmouth and Honiton for the last five or six years and would continue to do so.
Mr Graham said: “Sidmouth is the second biggest town in the South West that does not currently have a Subway.
“It has a population of around 12,500, although 45 per cent are of a retirement age, which means, in some respect, it is not our ideal target market, but it does get busy over the summer with all the tourists visiting the town.
“We need to find the right location as Sidmouth can be quite expensive in places, making it difficult for a site to survive outside the summer season.
“It is critical we get the right location in both towns.”
Mr Graham said they had ‘unfortunately’ not been able to find the right premises but added: “That is not to say we won’t find the right property tomorrow. We will continue to explore all the different opportunities.”
We asked readers on our Facebook page what they thought.
Sidford resident Gemma Hodgson, 32, said: “No, no, no, no! Sidmouth is changing and not for the better. The same shops are coming that can be found on most high streets; the town is going to lose its identity and unique quaintness.
“Our council would hopefully never allow permission.”
A 47-year-old Sidmouth resident also reacted to the idea and added: “Do we really need this in Sidmouth? We have some great snack and sandwich retailers that would be forced out of business if this mass market producer came to town.”
Another, 38-year-old, Sidmouth resident said: “Whilst I’m not totally in support, this would be better than a McDonalds, who are also threatening to open in Sidmouth. I however shall remain a patron of the Filling Station and Tasty Baguette if it does come.”
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