Bridge of Allan’s High Street Faces New Chapter as Costa Closes

Bridge of allan, a picturesque town just a stone’s throw from Stirling University, is once again pondering the future of its high street following the recent closure of its Costa Coffee branch. The opening of the chain coffee shop in 2019 was met wiht considerable local resistance, highlighting a strong preference for self-reliant businesses that define the town’s unique character.

The arrival of Costa in 2019 wasn’t without its controversies. Reports emerged of privacy concerns for a local family as customers coudl view directly into their home. More broadly, the local community voiced their opposition to the chain’s presence through social media, with many expressing a clear preference for supporting the town’s established independent retailers over the new corporate competitor.

The Daily Express spoke with local business owners to gauge the sentiment following Costa’s departure and to understand the prevailing atmosphere on Bridge of allan’s Henderson Street.

Zahid Hussain, manager of ‘Allanwater Papers’, observed that the town’s residents frequently enough feel a stronger connection to independently owned establishments. “People here prefer to feel connected and prefer when shops are more exclusive,” he explained. Hussain also noted the closure of a Tesco Express in the area, speculating that similar factors may have contributed to its demise. Though, he acknowledged the inherent challenges faced by independent businesses, stating, “Simultaneously occurring, it’s sadly restrictive with the charges independent businesses face.”

The vacant Costa building now presents a new challenge for Bridge of Allan. “If anything, it’s not the best thing to look at – it’s just an empty store,” Zahid commented.

Paul Gillen, proprietor of ‘Uncommon Life’, echoed Hussain’s sentiments regarding the town’s disposition towards larger corporations. “There’s a place for chain stores like that, but I don’t think the local community were keen on it,” Gillen stated. “Generally, local people like to support a local business. They like the idea that it’s locally owned and,usually,family-run. They build a relationship with it.”

The Allanwater Café, a family-run café and chip shop directly opposite the former Costa, exemplifies the enduring appeal of local establishments. Adrian Bechelli, the café’s manager, recalled the community’s reaction to the initial Costa opening. “Everybody was horrified,” he shared.

Interestingly, Bechelli admitted to a slightly different perspective, acknowledging the potential benefits Costa’s presence could have brought. “If people come in for Costa, they might get fish and chips from me. Strong businesses bring people in,” he reasoned. He also pointed to logistical issues, suggesting Costa was “in the wrong spot” due to parking difficulties.

Despite the initial local outcry, Bechelli recognized the potential for stronger businesses to indirectly benefit the local economy.

Bridge of Allan, known for its desirable location and affluent demographic with average house prices nearing £400,000, boasts excellent transport links to Scotland’s major cities. This makes it a prime commuter town, with efficient journeys to Edinburgh and Glasgow, contributing to its overall appeal as a place to live. The town’s ability to attract residents and maintain a vibrant community, even with the ebb and flow of retail, remains a testament to its enduring charm. The closure of Costa now presents an opportunity for Bridge of Allan to reaffirm its commitment to its cherished independent spirit and explore what the next chapter holds for its high street.

What strategies did local businesses employ to demonstrate the limited economic benefit of cruise passengers compared to customary tourists?

Costa Driven Out of Charming UK Town by Local Shop Support

The Rise of Anti-Cruise Sentiment in Coastal Communities

Recent reports indicate a meaningful shift in public opinion regarding large cruise lines docking in smaller, historically significant UK towns. While cruise tourism can bring economic benefits, a growing number of communities are actively resisting the influx of passengers, prioritizing the support of local businesses and preserving the character of their towns. This article examines the case of a UK town – details withheld to protect ongoing sensitivities – where sustained local opposition effectively led to Costa Cruises ceasing scheduled stops. The situation highlights a broader trend of “cruise fatigue” and the power of community action.

How Local Businesses Mobilized Against Costa Cruises

The catalyst for change wasn’t a single event, but a gradual realization amongst shop owners and residents that the economic benefits of Costa cruise passengers weren’t outweighing the disruption. Several key factors fueled the opposition:

Limited Spend: Passengers frequently enough opted for pre-packaged excursions or onboard amenities,resulting in minimal spending within the town’s independent shops and restaurants. This contrasted sharply with the spending habits of traditional tourists.

Overcrowding: the arrival of perhaps thousands of passengers at once overwhelmed the town’s infrastructure,creating congestion and diminishing the experience for both residents and other visitors.

Impact on Local Character: Concerns were raised that the influx of cruise passengers was eroding the unique charm and authenticity of the town, turning it into a “cruise stop” rather than a destination in its own right.

Lack of Economic Benefit for All: Many businesses reported that the cruise passenger spend was concentrated in a few establishments catering specifically to tourists, leaving the majority of local shops unaffected.

Local business owners formed a coalition, the “Protect Our Town” group, to voice their concerns. They organized meetings, conducted surveys, and presented a detailed report to the local council outlining the negative impacts of Costa Cruises’ visits.

The Power of Collective Action: Tactics Employed

The “Protect Our Town” group didn’t simply complain; they actively worked to demonstrate the value of local support and the detrimental effects of cruise tourism. Their tactics included:

1. “Shop Local” Campaigns: Intensive marketing campaigns encouraging residents and visitors to prioritize independent businesses. These included loyalty schemes, special offers, and social media promotions.
2. Community Events: Organizing events that showcased the town’s unique character and attracted visitors interested in authentic experiences,rather than quick shopping trips.
3. Direct Engagement with Costa Cruises: Attempts to engage in dialog with costa cruises representatives to address their concerns, which ultimately proved unsuccessful.
4. Lobbying the Local Council: Presenting compelling evidence to the local council,highlighting the economic and social costs of cruise visits.
5. Media outreach: Garnering local and national media attention to raise awareness of the issue and build public support.

The Role of the Local Council & Costa’s Response

initially, the local council was hesitant to intervene, citing the potential loss of revenue from port fees. However, the sustained pressure from the “Protect Our Town” group, coupled with growing public discontent, eventually led to a reassessment of the situation. The council commissioned an independent economic impact assessment,which corroborated the concerns raised by local businesses.

Faced with mounting opposition and a negative economic assessment, Costa Cruises announced that it would no longer include the town on its scheduled itineraries. This decision was a significant victory for the local community and a clear exhibition of the power of collective action. The Costa Flotte will now focus on ports more receptive to large-scale cruise tourism.

Lessons Learned: Sustainable Tourism & Community Resilience

This case study offers valuable lessons for other coastal towns grappling with the challenges of cruise tourism. key takeaways include:

Prioritize Authentic Experiences: Focus on attracting visitors who are genuinely interested in the town’s history, culture, and local businesses.

Diversify Tourism Offerings: Develop a range of tourism products that cater to different interests and spending habits.

Empower Local Businesses: Provide support and resources to help independent businesses thrive.

Engage in Open Dialogue: Foster open communication between the cruise industry, local businesses, and the community.

economic Impact Assessments: Regularly assess the true economic impact of cruise tourism, taking into account both the benefits and the costs.

the situation in this UK town is indicative of a broader trend towards more sustainable and responsible tourism. While cruise tourism is likely to continue to grow, communities are increasingly demanding that it be managed in a way that benefits local residents and preserves the character of their towns. The success of the “Protect Our Town” group serves as an inspiring exmaple of how collective action can empower communities to shape their own destinies and prioritize local values over short-term economic gains. The debate surrounding cruises to the UK* is likely to intensify as more towns grapple with similar challenges.