Cannock Farmfoods to close in March
Farmfoods is to close in Cannock at the town's main shopping centre, it has been revealed.
The supermarket chain confirmed they were pulling out of Cannock Shopping Centre in March. Five workers based there will be relocated to different shops.
The district council wants to reinvigorate the retail offer in the town centre especially now planning permission has been granted for the £115million Mill Green designer outlet village.
Natal Chapman, manager of Cannock Shopping Centre, said: "It's unfortunate to hear about Farmfoods leaving Cannock Shopping Centre as they have been fantastic tenants and very supportive of the local community and any events that we have held.
"Out of 39 units, the centre only has four vacant which is extremely beneficial for both the local economy and our shoppers.
"We are delighted to be welcoming new stores to the centre this year including Smokey Joez, an e-cigarette vendor.
"We don't have any plans to redevelop Cannock Shopping Centre at the moment however we are always looking for new ways to improve the centre and the experience of our shoppers which is why we provide a full calendar of events to entertain visitors."
In 2013 an ambitious scheme to build a shopping complex at the Beecroft car park in Cannock was axed due to doubts over whether big name brands could be attracted.
Deputy council leader Gordon Alcott said the authority lamented the loss of Farmfoods and confirmed the authority was still exploring ways of revamping the town.
He said: "I am disappointed. The loss of any business is not good news.
"It is not good for the council or for the area. We have set up a fund for a rate rebate and we are doing our part encouraging businesses to stop and stay in the town but we can only do so much.
He added: "We had a plan to redevelop Cannock Shopping Centre a few years ago but residents objected and it got put on ice.
"Officers are looking at alternatives and we have got consultants working for us.
"An initial report has gone to cabinet.
"We are hoping it could run in tandem with Mill Green but it depends on working with the public and whether we can take the shops and businesses on board.
"There are a number of ideas. We have got 12 car parks in the town centre where development could take place.
"But we have also got to talk to a lot of the private land owners and get them on board."
