COFFEE drinkers in Pershore have backed plans for a chain to open a new outlet in the town despite the venture facing fierce opposition from traders.

A number of cafes and tea rooms have launched petitions against the application from Coffee #1 to convert the former Ezee PC’S shop at 12 High Street.

But resident Peter Johnson said he would welcome a new place to get quality coffee.

He said: “I would welcome Coffee #1 and I know I am not alone. I can’t imagine we have enough of a footfall to attract the larger chains, but with it being a small chain having grown organically in the South West, I think this is the right sort of company to provide a boost to the economy of Pershore, and attract people who may be drinking coffee and spending money elsewhere.

“If the cafes suffer, they should know it is because they have not been offering what the public want. They have had the opportunity to fill this gap in the marketplace.

“A balance of independent and chains is what is required, and I believe Coffee #1 could help with that balance, not damage it.” The traders’ petition has attracted around 1,000 signatures.

Terry Smith, who owns tea shop Sugar and Spice, said: “We have a lot of support. People have even been coming into the shop to sign the petition. Most people don’t seem to want it.”

Coffee#1 has more than 25 outlets across Wales and the South West, the nearest being in Tewkesbury and Gloucester. It intends to open between 8am and 6pm from Monday to Saturday and 9am until 5pm on Sundays, and will provide 10 full-time and 10 part-time jobs.