Stop Costa Coffee crushing my business!

ONE of Havant’s last independent shops says it could close because of a controversial decision by a coffee giant.

For more than 14 years Havant Fruit and Flowers has been a colourful fixture in the town centre, with bright displays of fresh farm produce. The shop, based in an old stables, has historically been a greengrocers.

But Costa Coffee, which moved next door to the shop three years ago, now wants to put in three tables and chairs on the pavement outside directly next to it.
My mum, Stephanie Willis, who owns the shop, fears the business could be left without any displays as fresh produce cannot be stored next to people smoking.

The 55-year-old has already cut back some of her displays to allow Costa more advertising space on the high street – and fears the latest move could be the final nail in the coffin. Costa already has four tables outside and space for a further four in the Meridian Centre.

More than 300 people have signed a petition in just four days to stop Costa’s plans.

Here is a link to the page from The News website
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk:80/news/local/east-hampshire/havant_grocers_at_risk_over_coffee_giant_s_plans_1_2995011