Panic in UK seaside town as supermarket chains could force independent shops to close

The seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset is home to many thriving independent shops, but an increasing number of major supermarket chains could put an end to this. There is already a Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Lidl, and Aldi on Dorchester Road, and an M&S Foodhall is due to join them in 2027 after relocating from the town centre.

A local shopkeeper expressed her concern at this trend, warning that supermarket chains are "killing the high street" by moving business away from the town centre. Deborah Strange, of independent Howells Butchers that's been going for almost a century, said it was "total overkill" to have that many supermarkets. She said: "There are too many supermarkets in such a small space - it's total overkill. When I look out of the shop window I can see three of them."

She told the Mail: "But we are a family-run, quality butchers and there is no other in Weymouth so we have our loyal customers and the community rallies behind us.

"The worst thing with all these supermarkets is that they are taking business out of the town centre which is killing the high street.

"The town centre needs sprucing up but, combined with the ridiculous parking charges, why would anyone go into it."

The local council responded to these concerns, saying the chains will "encourage further investments" to benefit Weymouth's population of 54,000.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: "Energising Weymouth's economy is an important objective for Dorset Council.

"Attracting well-known brands will encourage further investments across all industry sectors.

"With a population of almost 54,000 that increases exponentially with visitors every year there is room for businesses of all kinds from large nationals to small independants."