A picturesque seaside town in Essex is embroiled in controversy after plans were submitted to convert a shopfront into a Greggs outlet — with a petition now launched to block it
Leigh-on-Sea coastline(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A picturesque seaside town hailed as one of Essex’s finest places to live could soon see the arrival of Greggs — but the prospect has divided opinion.
Leigh-on-Sea occupies one of Essex’s most stunning locations and is renowned for its independent shops and businesses.
The beautiful coastal town, known simply as ‘Leigh’ amongst residents, comprises the old town where dining and drinking venues abound, and the Broadway, home to boutique retailers and restaurants.
The delightful town, which features spectacular waterfront vistas, cobbled streets and vibrant beach huts, is celebrated for its independent character. Yet proposals to transform a Broadway shop into a Greggs branch have sparked debate.
Papers lodged with Southend-on-Sea City Council outlined plans for a shopfront displaying Greggs signage on the Factory Shop — with a verdict expected by July 10.
Nevertheless, a petition has been started urging the council to reject the Greggs proposals, attracting more than 1,700 signatures so far.
Behind the campaign is resident Enzo Harrison. He explained to this reporter: “It’s important to keep the Broadway independent. When people spend money in locally-owned businesses, the money stays in the area, it enriches us all.
“We risk losing not only our wealth but the unique feel of the area.”
Elaborating on why he started the petition, he explained on the website: “For as long as I remember, Leigh has had a host of high quality, independently owned bakeries and restaurants. Grout’s, The Homemade Bakery, The Flour and Spoon etc.
“The money we spent stayed in our community, the food we ate was wholesome and used proper ingredients, the faces behind the counter were familiar and friendly. This may soon come to an end.”
He continued: “To put it simply — Leigh’s too good for a Greggs. And we all know it.”
Responding below, one resident remarked: “I live on the Broadway and this would have a huge impact in my daily life, as their operations unit would sit right on my backyard. Keep Leigh independent, we love our artisan bakeries and coffee shops.”
Another chimed in: “Leigh doesn’t need any more chains or food outlets . To keep Leigh special we need independent shops selling things we actually need.”
Greggs was established in 1939 and has become one of Britain’s best-loved bakeries with thousands of branches. It also runs its own charity, The Greggs Foundation, which provides eight million free breakfasts for primary school children each year.
Leigh-on-Sea, meanwhile, is home to over 20,000 residents who enjoy scenic walks and delicious fish and chips.
Situated on the Thames Estuary, London is accessible by train in roughly 45 minutes, making the town attractive to commuters who prefer to avoid living in the heart of the capital. Edward White, the owner of fashion boutique Local Merchants, told express.co.uk last year: “We’re lucky to be surrounded by locals and visitors who actually care about supporting independent shops. They want something you can’t get everywhere.”
Councillor Carole Mulroney also weighed in on the flourishing high street, saying: “We’re lucky, we don’t often see empty shops in Leigh. There’s a healthy turnover, but people are invested. Shop owners, residents, they want this place to do well.”
She went on to note that cafes were “always full” whether by the old town waterfront or along the lively hilltop high street.
The town once had a Costa Coffee, which has since shut its doors, and a Subway had to be redesigned to blend in with its surroundings. Leigh continues to resist the cookie-cutter uniformity that plagues so many British high streets, with its embrace of independent businesses proving to be its greatest strength.
The seaside town sits just a 15-minute drive from Southend-on-Sea, and according to Rightmove, the average property price in Leigh-on-Sea stands at £448,840.
Local resident Russell Campbell, who previously lived in Basildon, shared his thoughts on Leigh with this publication.
He said: “I like the people here. I like the art here, the music, and I like that it’s by the sea. I just like the whole feel about it. It’s quite arty. The people here are creative.”
A visitor also chimed in: “Leigh has a cultural life which other towns like Southend don’t. It’s a wonderful place. Some talented people have emerged from here.”
This includes Oscar-winner Dame Helen Mirren, who grew up there, and Jamie Oliver, who once posted on social media: ” Aaaaahhhh back in my home town of Leigh on Sea ESSEX down at the cockle sheds just a quick visit but 15 mins for a pint of Adams and a little Cockles white pepper and vinegar and a roll before my next job then back to London Town happy days and memories.”
One local resident, Simon Green, also championed Leigh-on-Sea last year when Which? placed Southend-on-Sea as the fourth-worst seaside resort in the country in its yearly survey of top coastal destinations.
He outlined three reasons why this assessment was “total nonsense”, arguing that Leigh-on-Sea had been unfairly dismissed as one of Southend’s finest assets.
Simon described it as “undoubtedly one of the most desirable areas in the city”, highlighting how residents descended there every weekend to soak up the atmosphere at the Broadway cafes.
He also praised the independent retailers and a Michelin restaurant named Food.
And painting a picture of what Broadway – which may soon welcome a Greggs – is truly like, he wrote: “Situated right on the seafront, the former fishing village has a beautiful cobbled street running through it lined with clapboard houses from the 18th Century. Shacks are always open selling countless varieties of fresh fish — including prawns, oysters and mussels caught that day.
“And the meal can be washed down with a pint at the ever-popular Peterboat or the Boatyard, which overlook the fishing trawlers bobbing in the estuary. Ye Olde Smack is always a popular pub for locals too.”
Greggs and Leigh Town Council have been approached for comment.