Petition drawn up to down Domino's opening in Deepings

Market and West Deeping district councillor Ashley Baxter is trying to stop a new pizza takeaway opening in the centre of Market Deeping. Photo by John Cassidy.

The online petition was launched by Market Deeping district councillor Ashley Baxter over concerns that fast food giant Domino’s Pizza wants to open a takeaway at a grade II listed building in High Street, Market Deeping.

People backing the petition have claimed that the takeaway would be out of keeping with a building that has been empty since HSBC Bank closed last August after 103 years in the town.

HSBC Bank to close branch in Market Deeping

Bank marks branch’s 100th birthday

Hundreds back move to save HSBC centre in Market Deeping

A message posted online by Mark Palmer of Market Deeping said: “A takeaway in one of the most historic and prominent buildings in Market Deeping is not in keeping with the traditions of the town.

“Numerous other local businesses already provide a pizza option and a (new) takeaway will not attract any new people into the town, so there will be little benefit to the local economy.”

The former HSBC branch in Market Place, Market Deeping, which Domino's Pizza wants to turn into a takeaway. Photo: Adam Brookes. EMN-150406-130026001

Another message posted by Wendy O’Reilly, also of Market Deeping, said: “I cannot believe anyone would destroy such a lovely building with an unnecessary fast food outlet.”

Coun Baxter said: “We have a healthy diversity of takeaways and restaurants in the Deepings and I would normally welcome new establishments if they offer jobs and investment.

“However, this particular application in the heart of our historic town centre is inappropriate as it is likely to cause traffic congestion, litter and will be to the detriment of many existing locally-owned businesses.

“This application will cause irreparable damage to a Grade II listed building in the heart of Market Deeping’s conservation area, displacing employment at the expense of existing takeaways which are owned and managed by people with a genuine connection to the Deepings community.”

More than 200 people signed a petition to keep HSBC’s branch in Market Deeping open but it closed on August 28 2015.

A statement from Domino’s Pizza said: “This proposal will make use of a vacant listed building in Market Deeping town centre and will therefore result in a number of public benefits.

“These include the re-use of a vacant building which will significantly enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre, benefitting local businesses, as well as both the day-time and night-time economies, and providing job opportunities for a number of local residents.”