SHOPPERS, businesses and residents are being urged to make their views known about a pub chain’s plan to move to a high street.

JD Wetherspoon is putting the final touches in place to buy the former Woolworths store in Holywell and has submitted a planning application to Flintshire Council.

But fears have been raised local traders could be put out of business and that there are already enough food and drink outlets in the town.

People with views about the plan are being urged to present them to Flintshire Council’s planning department.

Holywell town centre manager Medwyn Roberts said: “Flintshire Council has announced that it has received a planning application for the change of use of Holywell’s ex-Woolworths store from retail to non-retail to enable it to open as a branch of this rapidly expanding UK national food and drink chain.

“If those who think granting this application will affect their business or affect the viability of Holywell as a shopping centre by duplicating rather than adding to the variety of businesses in the town centre, it is essential they make their views known to Flintshire Council.”

Including Holywell’s three supermarkets, there are 29 outlets in the town centre where food or drink can be bought to eat in or take out.

The pub, which could see a £1m investment in the town, could create up to 40 jobs, including bar and kitchen staff.

Eddie Gershon, a spokesman for JD Wetherspoon, said: “We are at a very early stage but our intentions are to open on the site. People have their views and that is understandable.

“We are keen to develop the site that would otherwise be empty and we are keen to invest more than £1m and create 40 jobs.

“Nationally Woolworths’ stores are large and there is not a long line of companies queuing up to take them on. We think JD Wetherspoon coming to a town adds an asset.”

The plans will be discussed at a meeting of Holywell Town Council tonight before going to Flintshire Council’s planning committee for approval.

Write to Mrs C. Ringrose, Flintshire County Council, County Hall, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 6NF or visit the website.