Seaside locals threaten to move out over opening of 'monstrous' budget supermarket Poundstretcher

Locals in an upmarket seaside town have threatened to leave the area after the opening of a 'monstrous' Poundstretcher near to their £800,000 homes.

The budget supermarket has opened a giant new store in charming Frinton-on-Sea, which is known as 'The Bond Street of East Anglia' and is popular among those who are retired.

Locals are now threatening to boycott the discount chain and move out of their homes as 'the truly terrible' store makes the area 'lose its edge'.

Margaret Simpson, 62, who has lived in Frinton-on-Sea for 33 years, said: 'It is monstrous. It's out of place, bright red, looks awful and just brings the whole area down.'

The retired administrator added: 'It's ridiculous. It offers nothing to the area. I worry about what will come to the area next. 

'Where does it end? I appreciate people do use stores like that but this is Frinton and it is a very different area.'

Andrew Saunders, 71, said it was 'terrible'. The retired civil servant explained: 'I do worry about the future. Things like this mean the area loses its advantage and edge.

'I will not be using it and if there's more of this I will leave.'

Mary Whitworth, a retired teacher, said: 'This is the thin end of the wedge. At this rate we will have a McDonald's and KFC. If that happens, I'll be leaving.'

Another said: 'It's truly terrible. I cannot believe what has happened.'

The store had been a M&Co but has been empty since 2020. The change of use has also not proved popular on social media.

Poundstretcher has been contacted for comment.