A MOTHER has set up the group supporting a new Sainsbury s supermarket in Saffron Walden because she believes it is the right move for families. Last week, Nicky Agar from Goddard Way started a Facebook group called I support Sainsbury s coming to Saffro

A MOTHER has set up the group supporting a new Sainsbury's supermarket in Saffron Walden because she believes it is the right move for families.

Last week, Nicky Agar from Goddard Way started a Facebook group called 'I support Sainsbury's coming to Saffron Walden' and she has been "overwhelmed" by the response.

The group has now attracted more than 500 members and Mrs Agar has stepped up her efforts with the launch of the pro-supermarket Saffron Walden Needs Sainsbury's (SWAN) campaign.

"I have sat back week after week seeing many letters and articles published against Sainsbury's coming to Saffron Walden thinking I am in the minority looking forward to it," she said.

"I set up the Facebook group really just to air my views to my friends - imagine my surprise when I saw how many people had joined.

"This has been achieved by pure word of mouth - no badgering people in the streets asking them to sign any petitions, just people voluntarily joining the group and commenting at how they are looking forward to Sainsbury's in Walden.

"People have commented that Tesco doesn't have enough competition, making it too complacent and not offering enough choice in store.

"Most people in this group are normal working families, who cannot afford to shop in Waitrose and buy clothes in the upmarket independent boutiques in town. Money aside, it is also about freedom of choice.

"I am led to believe that neither Tesco or Sainsbury's are allowed to sell clothing, a ruling from our own council I am told. This is outrageous. I can buy five pairs of boys pants from Tesco (Bishop's Stortford, Bar Hill or online) for only �3, but cannot get anywhere near this price in my own town centre."

Mrs Agar has dismissed claims that an out-of-town centre supermarket would destroy the town centre, saying that it is greedy landlords who are putting shops out of business.

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