Apparently JD Wetherspoons have gained planning permission to open a pub in Waterlooville !!!
While I am not against the idea of another pub it beggars belief that one can be built next door to an existing business, The Heroes. Officials at JD Wetherspoon have confirmed the Mr Cheap site in London Road has now been signed over to the company.
Waterlooville is crying out for new businesses to rejuvenate the shopping centre, to encourage people to come and spend money. A new Wetherspoons pub will certainly draw people in. However, most of that business will be during the evenings when the rest of the shopping centre is closed. To me this makes no sense and is in fact asking for trouble.
Two pubs side by side spilling alcohol fueled revellers out into Waterlooville at closing time, I’m sure that the local police are viewing this new development with some disquiet.
I am sure that the local cafes are also viewing the prospects of a Wetherspoons on their doorsteps with some concern. Competition is fine but they can’t sell alcohol whereas Wetherspoons will. Some might say that the playing field is somewhat uneven.
WrAnTz 