Plans for 24-hour Greggs in Kent scrapped
The bakery giant has scrapped plans for the 24-hour service in Canterbury
Greggs has scrapped plans for a 24-hour licence at one of its Kent branches after fears were raised it could lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour.
The bakery giant revealed its intention to provide round-the-clock service at its Canterbury city centre site last summer – in what would have been a UK-first.
But now the company has ditched the bid.
The decision has been welcomed by those who believe St George’s Street – where McDonald’s, next door to Greggs, is open already open all hours – can be “intimidating” at night.
Westgate ward representative Pip Hazelton said:
“I was opposed to the application when it came forward.
“I suppose my concern is up the top end of St George’s Street there’s been a history of anti-social behaviour, of groups gathering and those kinds of things.
“The litter, the noise, even relatively small groups of people hanging about – that can be intimidating for other people".
The Labour councillor also argues that another 24-hour fast food joint isn’t needed, especially given concerns over late-night delivery riders causing a nuisance in the city centre.
When Greggs lodged its bid with Canterbury City Council in August to open 24 hours a day, some residents welcomed the move.
Police also had no objection to the plans – as long as it functioned only as a takeaway during late-night hours, and had two security guards working from 11pm-5am.
However, Greggs has since confirmed it has withdrawn its application, although it would not reveal why.