A BUSINESSMAN who owns a shoe repair and key cutting shop in Dawlish has hit out at a nearby supermarket’s plan to build a Timpson at its Exeter Road store.

Ben Elliot, owner of Park Road repair shop, Be Repaired, says that Sainsbury’s plan to build a new retail concession pod in its carpark will adversely affect his business.

‘I am trying to save my shop’ Ben said.

‘It is threatening my livelihood, my business and the local traders in the town.

‘Lots of people come into the town to use my shop and the other businesses.

‘The knock on effect will be extremely detrimental to the town, and especially my business’ Ben added.

Sainsbury’s submitted its application to Teignbridge District Council (TDC) at the beginning of May.

25/00777/FUL, which seeks permission to construct a new retail concession pod, will be decided upon by TDC in July.

The pod will be located south west of the food store.

The area is currently used as parking spaces, of which three will be removed to make way for the proposed pod.

Ben has launched a campaign to save his shop, with the help of local councillor Rosie Dawson.

‘I think Sainsbury’s need to be mindful of the fact that they are on the outskirts of a lovely town, independent trading is difficult enough with online shopping trends, so we really need everyone to stand together and help support our local traders’ Cllr Dawson said.

‘Ben has been wonderful , he is so skillful - he can turn his hand to fix anything for anyone’ Cllr Dawson added.

In the wake of Ben’s campaign, more than 100 objections have been lodged against 25/00777/FUL.

‘Please support me by objecting to the application’ Ben said.

The Mid-Devon Advertiser has approached Sainsbury's for comment.