'We don't want new Greggs in our town' say locals

Andy and Emma Godfrey, who own Wellbread Bakers in Swaffham, said a new Greggs would negatively impact their business

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition against plans for a new Greggs in a Norfolk town.

The petition was started by a resident in Swaffham, who claimed opening the new shop would "devastate" a local independent bakery.

Greggs applied to Breckland Council in August to open a bakery in Market Place, replacing a former furniture store which closed last year.

The bakery chain, which has 2,500 shops across the UK, has been approached for comment.

The former furniture store closed in December

Emma Godfrey who co-owns Wellbread Bakers on the other side of Market Place, said she was concerned about the impact on her business.

"[Greggs] offer a lot of the same things that we do and it will affect our takings," she said.

"There's a big concern it will affect other small businesses as well.

"There are a lot of independent cafes already here so this can't be good news for any of us."

While the council was yet to make a decision on the plans, Mrs Godfrey said she expected the application by Greggs to be approved.

"There is a split in the town. We understand people want their right to choose where they shop, and of course they should have that.

"But all we want is to say, 'Remember we're here, support your local businesses and let's keep Swaffham the unique town that it is'."

If approved, Greggs would be based on the other side of Market Place from Wellbread Bakers

The Competition Act 1998 was introduced to clamp down on the abuse of a "dominant position in the market".

However, the Financial Conduct Authority views open competition as good for consumers as it "drives down costs and prices" and "drives up service standards and quality".

National chains that already have shops in Swaffham include Boots, Costa and Subway.

"As big chains replace local businesses, we lose the unique character that makes our town special," resident Karl Chappell, who started the petition, wrote online.

"While stopping Greggs may be challenging, we must do everything possible to protect Swaffham's heart."

Greggs' plans, which were not objected to by Swaffham Town Council, include an outdoor seating area.