A PICTURESQUE market town is taking on a fast-food chain threatening to make a move on one of its historic buildings.
Locals in Bolsover, Derbyshire, are up in arms over plans for a Domino’s Pizza store slap bang in the middle of the town.
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The American multinational wants to open a takeaway in the 188-year-old former Cross Keys, in the heart of the town’s conservation area.
The town, famous for its 17th-century aristocratic retreat Bolsover Castle, boasts a history dating back to the Domesday book.
The move by Dominos to open up a store in the town has led to a raft of opposition from residents.
Care worker Simon Sleney, 50, who lives in a flat above the proposed takeaway, said: “Bolsover is a historical place – the last thing we need is another pizza shop.
“We’ve managed without fast food chains like Mcdonald’s opening up in the centre of town – it’s just not needed.
“I get that empty buildings aren’t great but why don’t the council turn it into something that people here actually want. I’d love to see it become a place for parents and toddlers – or public toilets, because we don’t have any.”
Domino’s wants to expand into the former pub, which was most recently occupied by a frozen food retailer.
They plan to open until 11pm at night, which Simon fears will lead to anti-social behaviour, noise, and litter problems.
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He also fears being unable to sell his two-bedroom flat if a takeaway opens beneath.
He said: “Because we’re in a conservation area we have wooden windows, so I can already hear the bleep of the traffic lights.
“It’s going to be a nightmare if they’re open late every night with people coming and going, and the noise from the delivery drivers.
“Every Friday night we get anti-social behaviour – windows have been put through and things like that. I’m quite concerned about that getting worse.
“I’ve spoken to an estate agent who told me that while my property price might not go down, it will make it harder to sell because who wants to live above a takeaway that opens until 11pm?
“It feels like a David and Goliath battle but I’ve not spoken to anyone who wants Domino’s to open a store.”
Complaints to Bolsover District Council from locals include representations that “Bolsover doesn’t need any big American chains taking custom away from local business.”
Holly Walker added: “As a neighbour and owner of a small business I would hate to see it swamp the local independent businesses who need the extra support.”
And Jean Simpson complained: “Yet another fast food outlet will create more discarded rubbish in the street and encourage vermin. The council will have to clear up more mess.”
If allowed to open, Domino’s would be Bolsover’s 12th takeaway – despite its tiny population of under 11,500.
Cheryl Hadfield, 43, told Sun Online: “It’s a step too far to have another takeaway. We already have too many.
“There’s a Domino’s already down the road in Clowne who deliver here, so what’s the point?
“Bolsover is a lovely place with a good community. We don’t want to be just like every other town.”
Bolsover Civic Society said: “It is commonly accepted that a multiplicity of fast food outlets within a town centre does not enhance the attractiveness of the town to visitors.
“Some may be regarded as necessary to satisfy needs but seven within 200 yards detracts from the town’s appeal and cancels out much of what the district, town and local community organisations do to make Bolsover an attractive place to residents and visitors.”
Councillors could rubber stamp the planning application, made by DPSK Ltd, this summer to change its use from retail to a hot food takeaway.
But at the Cavendish pub – opposite the planned Domino’s – landlord Les Hince, 53, welcomed the competition.
His daughter Emily, 18, serves up giant pizzas for £10 made to a secret family recipe.
Les said: “I say bring it on. Our food game is high so we’re not worried.
“They’d do well to make pizzas half as good as ours.
“There are a lot of takeaways in Bolsover already so I think what it would do is drive up competition and improve standards.
“At the end of the day, the customer will be the winner.
“I just think it’s better to have an open shop than an empty one. Investment in the town isn’t a bad thing.”
A Domino’s spokesman said: “This particular store is still subject to planning permission, but we’re excited at the prospect of opening another store and being able to boost employment in the local area.
“We pride ourselves on being a positive presence in the communities we serve. In partnership with our stores and franchise partners we actively support local causes and provide our in-store team members with training and career opportunities.
“Our purpose is to build a better future through food people love, and our communities are at the heart of this. In 2022 we received very few complaints about either litter or noise caused by stores.”
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