General Discussion
Just bought my copy of the Dawlish Gazette and read on page XI of the property page an article about a couple who recently bought one of the new build properties on the Cavanna development over by Secmaton Lane.
The article talks about the couple and why it is that they chose to buy here. However, although they have chosen to live here it seems they choose not to shop here. The article says "they tend to shop in nearby Newton Abbot, but also make the 20 minute drive to the Park and Ride for Exeter. The train from Dawlish to Exeter St. David's is also a short journey of only 12 minutes".
Now I know that I shouldn't make a sweeping generalisation from a particular circumstance but I do wonder just why they don't shop in Dawlish (and I'll include Sainsbury's in that) and how many others who will be buying on the new estates will have similar shopping habits.
Just think of all that money not being spent in the town.
I mention this because I remember that one of the arguments put forward for all this newbuild is that it would bring people with money to the town and who would spend it here.
Is it just that the article is a good advert for the transport links showing how easy it is to get around from this new estate in Dawlish, so that is what they have focussed on?
I can see that people in Dawlish can do quite a bit of their food shopping in the town and some other general shopping too, but for most people if they want clothes or household shopping then going to bigger stores or specialist shops in other towns is the more likely option.
Had a think about where I have done shopping in the last month, so here goes:
Dawlish
Teignmouth
Torquay (Willows)
Exeter
Heathfield
Newton Abbot
some are shops I might go to once a year or less, others are shops I go to weekly or monthly.
Personally, most of my weekly shop is done here but I live and work locally. A lot of residents work near Exeter or Newton Abbot so it may be more convenient for them to go to Tescos or ASDA after work or even shop online. Also, a lot of our retirement community have access to cars so they may well choose to travel further to pick up the bargains. Our shopping habits have changed and I dont think there's an simple solution to saving our town centres. I wonder where Architects,Builders and Planners do their shopping? I think they say one thing and do the opposite myself!
Remember 'Mary Queen of the High Street'.. and the chance of her coming to Dawlish to sort it out.
Thought it was interesting last night on Channel 4, she tried to get Margate going...well from the outset they didnt want her help! ..but its a happy ending, If you didnst see it here it is, its a good prog.
Wonder if the Strand was adapted in the 'same' way ...what would happen,..
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/mary-queen-of-the-high-street/4od