Petition for Pharmacy results in a shock

Hundreds of residents signing a petition for a pharmacy at the Waunceirch shopping centre have found out that they are going to get a BETTING SHOP instead.

The petition originated at Piper's Fish Bar which is located next door to the Dwr-y-felin Road Tesco Express store.

Many residents do not consider a Betting Shop to be an asset to the community in view of the temptation for some to put gambling before their family needs.

The original plan was to have a series of shops and services (including a doctor's surgery and chemist) that would benefit the community.   The result is considered to be a big disappointment.   It seems that market forces has had some effect on the situation.

The unit earmarked for the Betting Shop has been empty for over two years and it seems that the developers have put financial considerations before the community need in order to get the alleged £15,000 annual rent for the unit.

The Mint Masala Indian restaurant next door has been refurbished and is now under new management.  It was opened on 1st April by Wales captain footballer, Ashley Williams.

The owners of Piper's Fish Bar said that when they took the lease out for a hot food 'take away' shop they were informed that they would be the only business of that catagory on the site.   It now transpires the the Mint Masala restaurant will also be catering for hot take away meals.

Ed Note ... Cllr Janice Dudley states on the Reader's Letters page that there was, in fact, over 1,600 signatories to the petition for a pharmarcy.   You can read her comments on the Reader's Letters page.

A reader asks:  "Was a pharmarcy licence applied for?"