Waitrose Walk Back on Steps Promise
Thursday 3rd August
Malmesbury Town Council has been contacted by many concerned residents regarding the closure and significant deterioration of Waitrose steps next to St Johns Bridge, beside the Silk Mills. Previously the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) applied for planning permission which was granted by Wiltshire Council to have the original steps replaced with a stronger and more suitable structure.
Despite this, the John Lewis Partnership are now reneging on their commitment, as they feel they are under “no obligation” to replace the steps, that they would not be doing so and are considering removing the structure entirely.
Councillor Gavin Grant, Mayor of Malmesbury says this response is unacceptable. “The John Lewis Group who own Waitrose are letting down Malmesbury and our residents. They have repeatedly said that they would replace the broken steps. Now, they want to walk away from that commitment. Waitrose Malmesbury is a profitable store and it is now time for this big company to keep their promise and replace these steps properly.”
The steps were well used until they were inspected, found to be dangerous and closed. The neglected steps are now in a poor state. Located at the entrance to Malmesbury, they do not give a good impression to visitors or residents alike. There is also concern that people are now scrambling up the steep bank nearby to access the store car park.
Malmesbury Town Council disagrees with the economic argument for not replacing the steps. There are costs involved in the new steps, but there are also costs in removing the steps and reinstating the embankment. In terms of revenue, the town council believe the replacement costs are reasonable and given JLP’s commitment in previous years, there is an expectation that funds to replace the steps would have been allocated.
Malmesbury Town Council will continue to press JLP to replace the steps while maintaining its excellent relationship with the Waitrose store and its helpful and friendly staff who have supported many local charities and community groups.
Link to Short video - Cllr Gavin Grant informs on the disappointing situation
