LOCALS have hailed Greggs’ decision to scrap plans for the UK’s first 24-hour shop after fears it would be a hotbed for crime.
The popular fast-food chain proposed a new Canterbury city centre branch last year but made a surprising u-turn after disgruntled residents claimed it would be “intimidating”.
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A McDonald’s next door to the bakery giant already keeps its doors open into the early hours much to the dismay of nearby homeowners.
Frustrated local Pip Hazelton, who also serves as the Westgate ward representative, told KentOnline she was “opposed” to the one-of-a-kind Greggs.
“I suppose my concern is up the top end of St George’s Street there’s been a history of anti-social behaviour, of groups gathering and those kinds of things,” she claimed.
“The litter, the noise, even relatively small groups of people hanging about – that can be intimidating for other people.”
Pip also worried late night food delivery drivers would wreak havoc on peoples’ sleep with revving engines.
“I’m not convinced that we need 24/7 access to fast food,” she added.
Overall, the relieved resident said she was “pleased” Greggs had abandoned their plans.
However, others were disappointed to learn the highly-anticipated branch wasn’t gracing their city centre.
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Let down local Amanda Skinner, 44, argued: “I think it would be great if Canterbury became a bit more of a 24-hour city.”
Meanwhile, councillor Mel Dawkins added she would be “happy” to welcome more nightlife to boost the economy.
Cops had also given the 24-hour branch their approval, as long as it only served takeaway and there were two security guards posted at the door from 11pm to 5am.
But, a Greggs spokesperson confirmed they withdrew their application.
The spokesperson said: “We continue to look at opportunities to extend the opening hours of our shops.
“Customers can enjoy our full range of great value and fantastic quality products from our shop at St George’s Street, Canterbury, from 6am through to 8.30pm.”
A city council spokesman said: “We can confirm the application was withdrawn but it would not be appropriate for us to speak on the company’s behalf as to why.”
Currently, the latest closing time for a high street Greggs is its Leicester Square branch in London which shuts at 2am on Thursday and Friday.
The company previously tried to open a 24-hour location there but plans were later altered to the later closing time.
Greggs has already extended opening hours for around 500 shops to 8pm or later.
The Sun Online approached Greggs for comment.
At present there are some 24-hours branches open in the UK – however they are all inside major airports.
Here is the full list of 24-hour Greggs in the UK and when they opened:
- Newcastle Airport – pre-2016
- Manchester Airport – pre-2016
- Leeds Bradford Airport – July 2021
- Birmingham Airport – April 2022
- Glasgow Airport – April 2023
- Gatwick – July 2023
Branches are also still being opened inside big name stores, including Primark and Tesco.
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The chain has opened up four Tasty by Greggs cafes inside large Primark shops over the past few months.
It has also rolled out more concession cafes to 28 Tesco stores across the UK so far.
