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New company at old Somerfields site - paul (6th Apr 2007 - 11:25:42) I have noticed the announcement in the Liphook Herald for staff at "new store opening soon in Liphook" from countrywide plc. Their website is countrywidefarmers.co.uk Is our village ready for this?

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Mike Grimes (6th Apr 2007 - 19:22:04) Just the job, I'll now be able to pick up the pig feed on my way home from work. This is a long way from the frozen ready meals and maybe some vegetables that earlier reports had suggested. There's a number of existing local businesses that this will cut into and it will be another reason why local people will no longer need to visit Station Road to shop.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Gen (7th Apr 2007 - 17:51:25) Shame that Somerfields is going, I shall miss them. I must admit that I didn't use them for my major shopping, more like a small local shop. Commuters must have found them useful, being so near the station. Pity there will be no foodstore in the Station Road area anymore. Perhaps someone will take the plunge and open a specialist foodstore in one of the empty shops, a chance to cash in on a niche market? We are in desperate need of a butcher in the village.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - jo (7th Apr 2007 - 18:44:11) i am new to the area and it would be great to see a butchers shop in the area! its a shame that somerfield is set to close though. i never did my main shopping there but i did get the special offers on everyday items which in the few weeks since i have lived here have saved me a small fortune.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Gen (9th Apr 2007 - 08:18:30) I'm new too, I think it's a lovely village, a shame Station road is such a mess - especially the side view of the end row of shops all that dreadful 'nothing' rear exterior with all the rubbish on display. Looks a bit 'shanty town'. You'd think the shops themselves would try to get together to get it looking a bit more appetizing. Maybe they'll take the opportunity to tidy it up now poor old Somerfields has got the chop. Wonder if any of our councillors ever read this page?

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Steve Read (9th Apr 2007 - 21:07:18) Just a thought but was thinking about the floor space at Somerfields. It might have been feasible for a number of independent business owners to have got together and turned the one big shop into various small shops all under the same roof. What type of shops who knows? Would it be big enough? Bit like a small mall, just an idea.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Gen (9th Apr 2007 - 23:04:06) Can't imagine animal foodstuffs and agricultural machinery having much appeal - or have I misunderstood the type of firm that is taking it over?

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Eneida (10th Apr 2007 - 09:06:26) Gen, Having looked at their website, they seem to stock a lot more than just farm machinery and animal feed....It appears to be a store aimed at 'country folk' and especially the 'horsey set'....lots of green wellies,waxed jackets, horse blankets, cashemere jumpers that sort of thing. Most of their existing stores seem to be in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire....I'm wondering if Liphook is going to be posh enough for them ;) Eneida

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Barry (10th Apr 2007 - 09:32:40) There is a butcher opening in station road in the next month or so. Its the guy who has a market store in Petersfield on a Saturday morning. He was supposed to open earlier but ran into the usual red tape.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - sue (10th Apr 2007 - 19:07:55) To Gen, Jo, and others I do agree that the 'mess' behing the shops and flats needs sorting. There are some shop owners and flat residents that do their best - unfortunately not every one does. Did you know that they pay a 'ground'rent to their landlords - for exactly this purpose - but as usual the landlors - know as Station Road business....something something something, do not take it seriously - mainly because they do not live and work here. The only time they cleared it and cut the trees was when they applied for a shop and two flats to be built on the carpark. I have on many occasions swept the gutter outside our shops, but because of the rubbish generated from litter it constantly blows down the street. Possibly that is the fault of people Butchers - our friend Don the Butcher - has tried to open his shop since October - blame the co-op for not getting their fingers out. He is trying for the old carpet shop but who knows.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - candyfloss (10th Apr 2007 - 19:37:48) I am very sorry for one of the very oldest shops in Liphook - if as it seems an animal food shop is to be opened. HISCOCKS!! They have already been 'shut off' of their main road - due to the new one created to take people to Sainsbury's. It has left them with being just a bit 'awkward' to get to. they have supplied horse feed ect for many years - and at reasonable prices too. I do wonder if they have applied for a change of use from a food supermarket? and would any objections be made from the council - after all a convienence food shop is what is needed. Perhaps as Sue stated the Co-Op still have the lease on the empty shop in Station Road, perhaps they could re-open it again!!.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - sueW (10th Apr 2007 - 21:12:55) I too have just looked on the 'countrywide' web - Oh dear! What can I say - we did have hope that the hardware would be able to continue - I am not too sure now - amongst other things they stock doormats (very expensive by the look), all gardening products, tools, camping gaz & stoves, camping equipment, clothes - T.shirts, Rugby Shirts, bodywarmers, jackets, (a3 sports) home heating systems - including fire accessories, (inwood stoves may not be too impressed) and so much more!!. How can small business survive - just on paint, small DIY jobs and plastic washing up bowls - not likely!! No wonder the Hardware Industry has seen the most increase in closures recently. You only have to look at other towns and villages to count the number of closures. Perhaps it was only a matter of time - lost the will to fight anymore!!

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Eneida (10th Apr 2007 - 22:16:47) Sue, Despite our differences over Sainsbury's, I did feel for you and other shop-owners when I looked at Countryfarmers website!!! In a way I think this store will affect far more shops than the big S....doesn't the Parish Council have any say in what shops can open in Liphook?? Eneida

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - LippyChick (11th Apr 2007 - 10:15:26) Ho Hum Obviously my information from Somerfields was wildly inaccurate. I found this on the Countrywide web countrywidefarmers.co.uk/...careers Hiscocks has been such an essential part of village life for so long with fantastic prices and wonderful (free) advice. It looks like they may be one of the main affected businesses, but so many others including the hardware store, mine (to a smaller extent) and of course the equestrian supplies shop at Iron Hill. Considering that pretty much everything that this store wants to sell is already available in the locality I'm a little surprised that the company actually wants to set up base here rather than somewhere else where there is less competition. I would urge the people of Liphook and the surrounding area to openly support their existing local traders against this kind of cynical chain store marketeering. Lips x

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - rob (11th Apr 2007 - 11:18:26) What's all this about forklift trucks? It'll be a hoot to try to see them run them around the ups and downs of the existing car park! And if they use the car park for storage (where else is there?) where will the cars go? Maybe Countrywide will attract new people into Station Road to buy patterned wellies and tweed shooting coats who, once they're there, will buy some bread and some meat and some hardware bits and pieces while they're there. It may not be all bad. rob.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Eneida (11th Apr 2007 - 11:37:11) I think the Garden Centre at Rake would also be badly affected....they already stock a lot of the things Countrywide are offering too!! Is it too late to stop this store opening? What have our Councillors to say about it? Eneida

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Mike Grimes (11th Apr 2007 - 13:54:34) If there is no "change of use" and no structual changes there is not much they can say. I don't think it would be helpful to any business if the council could dictate who took it over when they come to sell.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Dick (11th Apr 2007 - 18:59:04) So, if the old Sommerfield car park is going to be used for storage, where is everyone going to park ? In Newtown Road, that's where... I am sick to the back teeth of commuters parking outside my house for days on end, just because they are too tight to pay for the Station Car Park, now it looks like we are going to get the shoppers clogging up the street as well. Does the local council think about this when granting planning permission for shops..... NO. Come to that, do they think of any of the other business' who may suffer....NO. So it looks like one big shop is going to replace 2 maybe 3 smaller shops.. Who gains from that. Certainly not the small shop owner and you can bet that in the long term nor will the local customer...

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - sue W (11th Apr 2007 - 21:40:31) Hi all Having spent a day on the telephone trying to find some 'answers' found myself back to the start. The shop has already been sold - to the highest offer. They do stock a vast range of products - and yes they do stock a comprehensive hardware range - basically everything from nuts, bolts, hammers, dustbins, PAINT, varnish ets. The only thing i have established is that it seems 'expensive'. Many of the ranges we already sell cheaper - but like the Sainsburys situation - the lure of one stop shopping could be bad. Hopefully, with the support of locals - and the effect this store will have on many village shops (otherwise unaffected), they may find themselves unpopular. We aim in the hardware to be the convienence diy shop - rather than the roam around 'scats' kinda thing. want just a paint brush - buy just a paint brush!! As for change of use - I have spoken to the council and in an unofficial way, was told that the current licence is for 'food use' with a section of non-foods. If this new outlet will have no food - then they would need to apply for a change of use. Then and only then could local people/business place objections. we all have to scan the planning applications carefully!! Even saying this the council at present are not our most popular people, we have had several different opionions over the Sainsbury's extension that what the real truth, reason, understanding seems all but muddled? Sound surprising - not in the least!! Our final hope is that perhaps this organisation will try to work with local stores, and compromise and not stock their entire range. I was expecting a call from a senior member of staff at Countrylife today - never happened - but did speak to a buyer for their stores, that was so arrogant I hope he is swallowed by a black hole!! Sue & Trevor

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Katy (12th Apr 2007 - 09:40:23) Hi everyone It seems there is no pleasing some folk. You bemoan the empty shops around Liphook and especially Station Road and then moan when someone new comes in to the area. You moan about the parking and they are not even open yet. You don't know whether the existing car park is to remain or not. Come on give them a break. It's about time new businesses came in to Liphook and we should be encouraging them. I would rather see the site filled and employing staff than let it fall into disuse. Whilst I appreciate some traders may be worried I am afraid that's what competition is all about. Some people win on price, some on service, some on product, it's just about finding what's right for you and your customers. I for one am sorry to see Sommerfield close but am glad that it is not going to be another empty eyesore in Liphook.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - elle (12th Apr 2007 - 22:33:55) Completely agree Katy. It makes me laugh how all these people are sad to see Scumerfields go yet admit they didn't actually do their "big" shop there. Scumerfields had a chance to gain more customers whilst Sainsburys was closed and on the one occassion i went in there at 9am they had no milk!! For this reason i haven't been back. I was driving through Wey Hill the other day where there are plenty of local, small business' with a Tesco and a Co-op right next door. How come these can all survive?

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - liz (13th Apr 2007 - 08:23:07) Elle Haslemere is a lot larger than Liphook so there is more support for a range of smaller shops and Tescos. If not finding a pint of milk in Somerfields put you you obviously don't shop at Sainsburys! I think the closure of Somerfields is a loss to the village, particularly for some of the elderly people who find the enlarged Sainsbury's too big to cope with. Hopefully the long standing rumours of a butchers shop in New Town road will materialise and I would also shop at an independent greengrocers. Add a newsagent/convenience store and a significant number of shoppers would be attracted back to the area. Just wishful thinking I know......

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - candyfloss (13th Apr 2007 - 10:20:44) Liz, You are right on many points, the whole problem seems to be with Station Road is that not enough local villagers use any of the shops down there. I do not truly believe that it is because the traders do not make you feel welcome, stock the right products, or the area is less attractive. Many 'Liphook' people are commuters, who buy most of their things while away working. There are truly wonderful village people who support when they can all small stores. Somerfields as a concern have had difficulties nationwide - hence most of their stores have closed or been sold. Did you know that all the quaint 'village centre' signs etc were paid for by SAINSBURY'S. Elle, As liz said the catchment and housing numbers are far higher in weyhill/haslemere and this is the fundamental point. I fully understand why local people and traders are concerned. I do not think it is moaning - they have strong feelings and it seems not unjustified. Having tried to park around the Somerfield site, found it difficult as Dick has said due to train users. I also sympathise with them - often the station park is FULL. The introduction of this new store i believe will in the long run help all business in Station Road, it will bring in many new people, and these will use the other shops - because they are close. Unlike Sainsburys who are close to neither the square or station road, people do not walk; if they did we would seem masses of bodies along the pavements. Many times i go the the bank and building soc. and I am lucky to pass a single person! To Sue, I have a friend who has a hardware store near to one of these 'countrywide' stores - and their shop prospered! I think everyone will - just have to wait and see. Not very supportive perhaps, but so long as your regulars buy from you as usual it should be ok Quick note: someone's working on the old co-op shop in station road. Is this the long awaited BUTCHERS? or are the CO_OP going to re-open? or something NEW perhaps? Candyfloss

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Eneida (13th Apr 2007 - 12:10:58) Candyfloss there seems to be a bit of contradiction in your post!! On the one hand you say it's very difficult to park around the Somerfield site.... and on the other you think Countrywide will bring in many new people, who will use the other shops because they are close by and people don't like to walk..... WHERE are these 'many new people' going to park? ..... Just a thought ;) Eneida

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Helen (13th Apr 2007 - 13:02:51) Elle Such a shame about the fact of not being able to get a pint of milk from Somerfields when Sainsburys was shut.Only 2 days were they out of milk first thing in the morning,had you been a regular shopper at Somerfields you would know that there is always milk in the shop,it was because sainsburys was shut that the milk ran out and i know for a fact all the orders where increased to try to keep every one happy but obviously to no avail,have you tried working in a supermarket,ordering for people to buy no easy task at the best of times never mind wheh a huge shop shuts for a week.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - candyfloss (13th Apr 2007 - 15:12:15) Eneida, Yes it probably did sound confused - but I did not want to elongate my reply - but just for you there is a problem with parking, and yes that will only increase with a larger store, yes it is not helped by those opting not to pay to park at the station, and yes some can't find spaces!!. Perhaps the piece of land - unused at present(apart from Travellers) next to be Beaver Estate, could be an extension of the Station Carpark (with payment). Perhaps the local parish council or EHDC could look into the possibility. At least some revenue could be raised while dithering over the site continues!! Candyfloss

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Eneida (13th Apr 2007 - 16:37:41) Funny you should mention the OSU site Candyfloss because I was just thinking that would be the ideal site for a store like Countrywide!!! Since they're a large national company, they are bound to pull out all the stops with advertising etc. to get people from all around the area to visit their store....not just folk from Liphook. And yes, you're right in saying that many new people will come to Station Road, but I do think the parking situation could become horrendous for the residents, like Dick!! Eneida

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - candyfloss (13th Apr 2007 - 19:08:25) Eneida, We all love to second guess everything, and we all love to put our point forward - it's what makes the world go round - so here is another one for you. What IF these Countrywide people have already thought about this and decided to purchase the disused 'Fairfield' site opposite. demolish the dreadful eyesore and build a car park - wouldn't that make so many people happy!. Just a thought. Or perhaps to be totally uptoday and fulfilling some peoples aspirations of a withit commercial village/town we should have a multi-story carpark at Sainsburys (like the one in Farnham Town Centre)- because parking anywhere in LIPHOOK is a problem - even at Sainsbury's! And most available space has been built on!! Candyfloss

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - elle (14th Apr 2007 - 09:56:25) I didn't want to cause an argument about it, just wasn't impressed that i couldn't get a basic item (for work) first thing in the morning when you expect stock to still be there. I felt I had to write something after reading the local paper the other week when someone said that you could pop in to Somerfields to get a pint of milk and a newspaper, which you couldn't do in Sainsburys. I have never had a problem with sainsburys and have always been able to pop in and get a sandwich and a paper or some milk. Helen - i work in a place where you have to order stock and completey understand how to increase the orders depending on demand.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - J (14th Apr 2007 - 14:20:23) Nothing seems to make people happy in Liphook really does it ? people moan about New Town looking shabby etc a new company (for good knows what reason) decides to take on such a huge site and open up shop bring employment into the area. Somerfields at the day didn't really pull out all the stops did it I have seen some great somerfield store across the uk that were much better and cleaner ( check the sweet rack by the fag kiosk dust and dirt mixed in with stock speaks volumes to me ) As for other businesses Im sure they will be just fine I do understand the worry but yet again with some people why not do something positive Sue from what I understand you spent a bit of time on the phone speaking to buyers etc? You have a business to look after so why not spend your time working on that ? phoning buyers etc really is not going to help it really is it ? as you can pop into the new store when it opens and see for yourself or even as you say you have done already have a snoop on line. At the end of the day lets hope that it works and give it the thumbs up it could be so much worse. J

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - liz (16th Apr 2007 - 08:41:20) Elle Re: stock ordering - I think Sainsburys need your help. Had masses of empty shelves on Saturday afternoon. Our 'bigger, better' store has loads more space - but masses of empty shelves. No gain really. To get back to the thread it is just possible that the new store could attract more people back to Station Road and improve the prospects for other shops. At the moment the area is just fading away despite a few excellent shops remaining.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - sue woods (16th Apr 2007 - 19:57:55) J To run a business you have to be able to do more than one thing at a time. I WAS looking after my business - we do have a telephone in the shop. You may have got the wrong idea of 'spending time on the telephone' I wasn't sat on it!!!. And To comment that I am not spending my time on the shop is completely out of order - and i would expect nothing less from someone who makes unsubstantiated comments. So you all would prefer that we burried our heads in the sand and hoped every thing will be rosy some day. There is a lot more that I have found out - but I am keeping it to myself. You will have to wait until the store is open to find out won't you. At least i know more than you!! Sue

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - liz (17th Apr 2007 - 08:22:05) Sue I was trying to be positive - sorry of you feel that is not enough. Good luck with your secrets but I am afraid your response has put me off visiting your shop.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - sue (17th Apr 2007 - 11:07:53) Liz The reply was for 'J', and not aimed at anyone else - unless they have the same views. For many other posters I would not have made this comment. Unfortunately, posting comments which are read by many people confuse the issue - so perhaps if people have something contencious to say - they could do it directly to me in the shop. I do not want this site to be a slagging ground for me or anyone else - but if people make such comments - they should be prepared for a reaction. If you have taken it so personally - i apologise for it - what else can I say. Nothing perhaps. Close the book and carry on. Sue

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - liz (17th Apr 2007 - 13:58:09) I realised that your comment was initially adressed at J but you said "So you all would prefer that we buried our head in the sand & hoped everything will turn out rosy some day" which seemed pretty general to me. This is (hopefully) an open forum. Appology accepted anyway.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Gen (17th Apr 2007 - 22:19:11) I don't think that the business of small shops will be affected, I am sure that most people who live here would prefer the smiling face of someone they know rather than an anonymous store where staff aren't really involved with customers. Personally, we really appreciate the friendliness of local shops, a lovely atmosphere and a great change from town life. We are very lucky to live in such a pleasant area - just a pity that the rear of some of the shops and flats over are in such full view and are so run down - one of the flats is in clear breach of Building Regs with no balcony handrail even! Cheer up everyone, the new guys will settle down and either fit in or get out.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Grahame Polley (18th Apr 2007 - 12:05:08) It may be a new store to the village but wont it be employing local people? Lets try and be positive about it.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Sue W (18th Apr 2007 - 19:03:05) Gen, I do agree that the 'backs' of both the '60's' built set of shops and flats are in a sad state. Perhaps that is more down to design, developers/achitects have learnt from these dreadful builds. I know that cosmetically, a good old slap of paint wont go amiss, some owners, however do, but like in any housing estate, you will always get those that dont. There is no law (that I know of), that MAKES people 'tidy' their buildings - and once again, many of the Business who rent the shops, have to pay for painting the outside of their property. Not the whole building, (Usually every 5 years) Unfortunately, the main problems are from the flat areas and structures - which fall within the bounds of the Landlords. You mentioned the flat with no 'safety' rails, this one is above my back door, and I have approached the landlord on so many occasions to rectify this situation, for my own safety and that of my staff, he just laughs and come ups with a 1000 excuses. It drove me so mad that when he asked for my share of the building insurance - i refused - with holding payment until the correct protective barrier was replaced. He still has not received a penny from me - The most shocking thing was that at the time the family renting the flat had small children and to stop them falling off, the contractors fixing the leak in the flat roof, nailed a large plank of wood across the patio doors!!. Does anyone know of the appropirate body who would take this up. Our own insurance are not interested, because if we did have to make a claim, they would persue the owner directly. It was the same with the rubbish dumped from the 'Happy Indian'. The shop was in a transition state while work was carried out, there came legal complications. I spoke to the Enviromental Health at EHDC, who were very supportive, but could not do anything without knowing who to charge. Because rightly, taxpayers money should not be used to remove business rubbish. Eventually the Indian changed hands, a skip was hired, a new Dumpy bin installed, rubbish gone. They have even placed palms in pots outside their door. (Why the blue chair is still there I have yet to find out). So to sum up your concerns - you are not the only one, and other people do try to smarten up the area, but as ususal it takes a long time and somethims still nothing is done. The unsightly wheelie bins have to stay in view of every one because there is no designated 'bin' area - which would be so much neater. The whole of the two blocks are privately owned, and not the responsibility of the Council - hence we have a number of abandon cars. I am sure some of you will have HELPFUL suggestions of how to make a Landlord act responsibly. Sue

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Steve Read (18th Apr 2007 - 20:01:46) Sue, Just to let you know I have been approached twice in the last 2 years to submit a quotation for these railings etc above your shop. This approach was made by two different individuals, the second one being an agent of the owner I assume. But as you know nothing has happened, just thought I was too expensive on the quote, did get the impression they wanted it done for nought though.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Jay (18th Apr 2007 - 21:59:41) Have read all the postings with interest. As an architect, I am well aware that the rear of most shops is unsightly and an architectural problem. The back of the row parallel to the road isn't visible, unfortunately it is the four units backing on to the Health Centre carpark that really offend the eye. Rubbish and materials being delivered and stored are inevitable. A proper designated bin enclosure would be a good start - but who would initiate such a move and where could it be situated? Paint - and a uniform balustrade along the rear of the properties would also assist in smartening up the elevation - but it is really a lost cause in view of the poor basic design of the block. And who would see any advantage in doing the work and, more importantly, pay for it!

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Sue w (19th Apr 2007 - 10:28:47) Steve, You said it! They want something for nothing!. But they do not receive NOTHING. Rental from shops and flats are not cheap, and surly part of the income should be spent on 'up keep'. The misconception with some Landlords is that all the money is theirs - and not a penny to be spent on the property. (I suppose that is their choice). Having rented my own house for 4 years, I know all the pitfalls and expenses - but had to do it to keep the property looking nice, safe, and sellable!! It would be nice to know what was behind the the shops before the carpark and doctors surgery was there - before my time. It may not have been an unsightly problem them - perhaps it was \'hidded\'. Just interested. Sue

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Dave L (20th Apr 2007 - 23:57:03) With regard to the health & safety obligations of the landlords to the occupants of the flats above, quite simply a quick phone call to the HSE will result in an enforcement or prohibition notice being levied to prohibit occupation until the property is 'fit for purpose'. Landlords obligations are well set out and there is no escape!!. I work for a large 'Landlord' (76,000 properties) and am amazed at the flagrant disregard some cowboys treat their tenants.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - sue W (21st Apr 2007 - 10:27:54) Dave thanks for that. I will pass the info onto the new Tennants, and their letting agent. - Steve can you let me know exactly who they are?. Sue

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - John W (11th May 2007 - 10:08:20) As a long time resident, like everyone else, I've watched the Station Road area go downhill. Personally I believe that a large retail company whether it be Countrywide or whoever taking over the old Scumerfield site will only be good for the area. They will revive the site, inject money and employ local people. They've obviously done their homework regarding suitable new areas for expansion and feel that the Station Road area has potential. Give them a chance I say - and our support for that matter !! Incidentally, has anyone actually visited one of these Countrywide stores ?

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - candyfloss (11th May 2007 - 13:11:09) John When you say you have watched station road 'go downhill' do you mean the empty shops? I think this new shop will cosmetically benifit the street, and should generate a new type of shopper, but perhaps some local traders are naturally cautious because no one knows what will be in there until it opens. you can visit their website to find out the general products, but exactly what; is a waiting game. There are some who can only gain, but there are also those in Liphook that could lose. Hopefully someone will take note that a large business can see the potential in Station Road, that may people knock and open new businesses. Having looked at the thread of What shops do liphook want - very disappointing reaction, with only a handful of replies and just the one main requirement. Not a lot for prospective businesses to work on!! Candyfloss

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - John W (11th May 2007 - 22:13:39) Candyfloss Personally I think the whole Station Road area looks neglected - it's a mixture of empty shops and bad '60s planning. However I'm hoping that any company, whether it be Countrywide, Sainsburys et al who are prepared to invest will encourage a kickstart of somesort to the area. I don't feel anyone has to be afraid of competition - I think competition encourages growth because it draws in customers and therefore income. There is room for everyone - small traders AND large stores and that leads to the peripheral requirements for staff and visitors - ie. cafes and the smaller ancillarries. Look at history elsewhere - eg: once you get a Starbucks in the vicinity, that's the time to buy property !! Coming down to earth and having looked at the Countrywide website, it seems to me they are big on Equestrian, Shooting and all manner of 'country pursuits' - I don't think it's a matter of being too 'posh' for Liphook as an earlier poster mentioned, I think there's a real chance of the area being given a real boost - I for one hope that this might be the start of a new beginning.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - candyfloss (16th May 2007 - 18:15:07) As I am by nature inquisitive, are the rumours true that the new owners of the Iron Hill animal and equestrian store near Hollycome are the very same Country Wide Farmers??. If so, would make sense why there are no rumbles of shock at a rather large competitor setting up down the road.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Candyfloss (21st May 2007 - 21:10:05) I heard today that there is a hold up to the refurbishment of Somerfields. Hope this doesnt delay them too much.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - Mike Grimes (22nd May 2007 - 00:13:20) Nothing seems to have happened since Somerfields moved out. In the interests of energy conservation you would think that someone, in the mean time, would have had the sense to switch the bloody lights off.

Re: New company at old Somerfields site - John W (29th May 2007 - 20:49:55) Just returned from a very wet Bank Holiday weekend and whilst away came accross a Countrywide in Gloucester - I have to say, I can't wait for the Liphook branch to open !! If it's anything like the one I visited, the store will be fantastic - a really great range of interesting products - friendly staff etc etc. Apparently there's a lot of excitement within the company and they hope to be open sometime beginning of July - give'em a chance I say - From my point of view (ie the consumer/shopper) if it takes a multi-national to pump money into the area then that can only be good - better than all you pessimists moaning about an area that at the moment's got very little to offer !!

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