'Don't let big firms kill off independent traders', says Sheffield shopkeeper

Nicholas Greenwood runs Greenwood's DIY on Abbey Lane, in Woodseats, which sells tools and other building equipment along with supplies for pet owners.

He fears plans by Toolstation to open in the former Woodseats garage on the corner of Chesterfield Road and Bromwich Road would threaten his business.

A planning application has been submitted to convert the old Honda showroom into three premises, including one for vehicle servicing, one for office accommodation and one to be occupied by Toolstation.

Mr Greenwood has launched a petition calling on Sheffield Council to reject the application and 'say no' to national chains 'ruining' independent businesses.

He claims stores like his offer a more personalised, friendly service but would struggle to compete on price with national chains like Toolstation.

If big firms are allowed to push out independent traders, he says, shopping districts across Sheffield risk losing their soul.

"If Toolstation opens I think my custom from tradespeople would drop off, and I would be forced to diversify to make up for that loss of revenue," he said.

"Sheffield Council is always plugging local independent businesses like ours, but if it lets a big national company into a local shopping precinct it could ruin that shopping parade.

"We provide a more personal service and a friendly atmosphere that you don't tend to get at chain stores. When customers come in, we will offer them advice and try to help them out, and we won't try to sell them a bag of 500 screws if they only need a couple."

Mr Greenwood, who used to work in the plumbing trade, only took over the DIY store three years ago but says it has been an independent family-run business for more than 40 years.

There have been 10 comments on the planning application, with some residents raising concerns about the potential impact on parking and congestion in the area.

A spokeswoman for Toolstation said: "Our policy, as we extensively grow our business throughout the UK, it not to comment on individual planning applications while they are live and yet to be determined by the local authority."

A council spokesman said: "We will consider all of the public representations received during the processing of this application and politicians will consider all issues raised during the eventual planning committee decision.

"We therefore urge any concerned resident to make their views known on any element of the scheme."

The petition went live on the council's website on Sunday and had been signed by 29 people in the first four days.