BRITAIN'S "most independent town" that has fought off coffee chains for years has succumbed to having a Caffe Nero.

The market town of Totnes in Devon has prided itself on being virtually "chain free" and famously stopped plans for a Costa Coffee to open.

Now after strong opposition, it has been forced to accept a Coffee #1 - which Caffe Nero acquired a majority stake in the chain in February.

In 2012, the town blocked a Costa Coffee from opening after thousands of people rallied against the firm, despite it being granted planning permission.

Residents have fought off corporate giants ever since, but now it is believed to be the final town centre in the UK to surrender to a high street coffee chain.

Locals fear it could open the floodgates for other chains like Starbucks and McDonald's to set up shop.

It opened last week and instantly became the town's biggest coffee shop on the site of a former Barclays Bank that closed last year.

There are fears it could kill off independent coffee shops and many objected to the application after the plans were given the green light by South Hams District Council earlier this year.

Some councillors raised fears it would kill the town, which already has more than 50 outlets serving coffee.

'IT WILL KILL BUSINESS'

Cllr John Birch said: "We already have 52 premises that serve coffee and majority are independent shops that are run by individuals or families who in a few cases put their life savings into the business.

"Many of those independent traders may be forced to close and we will be left with more empty units in the town.

"This will undermine the existing character of the high street and will threaten the integrity and character of the historic town centre.

"It will in my opinion have an adverse impact on the town centre, will drive many of the independent outlets out of business.

"It will kill of businesses on the top of the high street as no tourists will go any further when they walk up the hill once they recognise the large chain."

This will undermine the existing character of the high street and will threaten the integrity and character of the historic town centre.

Cllr John Birch

Cllr Julian Brazil said it would be a sad day if Totnes was overrun by chain stores.

He added: "I have more confidence of the residents and those who visit Totnes that they have better taste.

"The best thing that could happen is that it opens, no-one uses it, and it then closes, so we don't get harangued by the likes of Starbucks and the McDonald's and the rest to try and open in Totnes."

Totnes has spent many years keeping the chains at bay.

Seven years ago, thousands of people in Totnes signed a petition against Costa Coffee and pledged to boycott the new branch if it opened.

The chain coffee shop successfully achieved planning permission, but in the face of opposition, withdrew their plans.

Several residents said they would boycott the new coffee chain but others said it was time the town "moved with the times."

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Ellie Brooker said: "Really hope that people vote with their feet and support the locally owned independent coffee shops."

Sue Wormald disagreed and said: "As much as I love Totnes, they need to get over themselves.

"Why should they be any different to any other town?"


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