TAKEAWAY TROUBLES . . . Joe Morjane of Meganos Restaurant and Takeaway and Sam Turner, manager of The Anglers, are among the business people expressing concerns at plans for another takeaway in Annan High Street
That is the view of a neighbouring hotelier, who is backing opposition to plans for the former Solway Office Supplies shop.
Roger Boardman, of The Queensberry Arms Hotel, said: “I just think it turns the street into a dump, with charity shops and takeaway shops. We don’t want another one there.
“It doesn’t really affect our business – we just don’t want the High Street full of takeaways.”
Noting the existing high number of takeaways in the centre of the town, he added: “It’s not doing anything to enhance the town.
“I know they’ve got a Masterplan of Annan, but I don’t think that falls into opening up takeaways in every shop.”
The application to change the use of the shop from retail to hot food takeaway has been submitted by developer Henry McClelland, acting as an agent for Marshall Fawcett.
And it is understood that the new takeaway owners are local to the town, as opposed to being a national chain.
But they are facing a challenge from Joe Morjane, of Meganos Restaurant and Takeaway, who said: “I definitely don’t think it’s a good idea. We don’t agree with that. We don’t need another takeaway in the High Street. There’s already too many.”
His concerns are also shared by Sam Turner, manager of The Anglers, who also have the opportunity to object.
And arguing a takeaway gives people little added reason to visit the west end of town, Mr Boardman said: “It would just kill your town.”
Mr Boardman rejects any suggestion the neighbouring businesses are concerned about new competition.
He said: “It’s not even competition. It doesn’t affect us. It just makes the town look untidy.”
He added: “I think the majority of Annan folk will say, ‘Do we need another takeaway in the town?’”
The applicants behind the plans for the new takeaway have yet to comment.
