PO 'could be forced to close' by new ASDA store - Lincoln

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Post Office 'could be forced to close' following open of city’s new Asda store http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/new ... ticle.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

THE arrival of the first Asda supermarket in Lincoln could force a community post office to close, a trader has warned.

As reported in the Echo, the aim is to transform the Netto store in Nettleham Fields Shopping Centre, off Wolsey Way, into an Asda by this autumn.

But Ian Fox, sub-postmaster at Oval Post Office and News. fears for the future of his business.

Mr Fox, 51, who has run the shop and post office for five years, said: "My core business is newspapers and tobacco, but the big driver to get people in is the National Lottery.

"If Asda applies for, and is granted, a licence to also sell lottery tickets, customers will be enticed there to buy their lottery and newspapers and magazines while doing their normal weekly food shopping.

"Seventy-five per cent of my turnover is generated from the news agency and that includes lottery sales.

"Without the retail income, the whole business would be totally unviable, therefore a modest reduction in my retail takings would inevitably see me being forced to dramatically cut my staff and potentially force me to go into receivership and therefore close the post office.

"I am not opposed to Asda coming in, so long as they stick to their core business of selling groceries."

Shopper Eileen Williams, 77, of Arabis Close, off Wolsey Way, said the post office was an important community facility.

She said: "I think some of the smaller businesses may go under after Asda opens.

"One of the main concerns is parking."

David Morgan, who owns Morgan's off-licence at the shopping centre, said the arrival of the supermarket was a double-edged sword.

He said: "Asda would bring more people into the area.

"I would try to move away from their ranges of drinks, but the problem is they have the buying power to buy good wines cheaply and sell them cheaply."

Asda spokesman Tori Pourzand said: "We are awaiting final approval to acquire the Netto chain, so our ideas are hypothetical.

"That said, we do understand Mr Fox's concerns.

"Our aim is to help local people save money, not to make things difficult for local traders.

"We are really excited about the prospect of becoming a part of the Nettleham Fields Shopping Centre and the opportunities for getting involved in the local community and creating new jobs it will bring."