There have been numerous rumours of a Primark, Iceland and even a Waitrose opening in the old Woolworths, but it is now official that those were in fact just rumours. The bad news is that it is Poundland that has taken over the building.
Poundland is the self proclaimed biggest single-price discount retailer in Europe, selling everything for just £1.
This is possibly excellent news for many residents in Canterbury, but is not so good for market traders that trade just opposite the store. Steve Bamber, chairman of the traders for Canterbury said “It will be selling similar stock to what we already sell outside”.
One the plus side the new store will create 30 jobs for Canterbury. Poundlands director David Coxon said “opening here will create new jobs and a great shopping experience for the local community”.
The store will be opening on 20 May and according the posters in the window, Larry Lamb also known as the late Archie Mitchell from Eastenders will be opening the store.
Anne Belsey cand
idate of the Money Reform Party said to the packed lecture theatre at Canterbury Christ church university “We could sort out our economic problems in a week, including paying off the entire National Debt which has taken 300 years to build up."
According to the most recent odds, Julian Brazier has the Canterbury and Whitstable constituency wrapped around his little finger, still after 148 years of Tory control, but anything could happen before the elections in 6 days time.
All six candidates gave fine performances as they were questioned by the audience. Each was given two minutes to answer seven questions.
When the issue of bankers was raised Labour's Jean Samuel from Whitstable said, "Bonuses should be earned. Twenty per cent of my pay is based on bonuses and if I don't reach my targets I don't get paid."
Guy Voizey Liberal Democrat, also from Whitstable, said he would divide the banks into two sections: one for us to move money about and one to make investments.
UKIP's Howard Farmer, again from Whitstable, admitted with modesty, "I don't know a huge amount about the banking system apart from how it affects me and my family. But banks which had money from the government should not make profits until all the loans were repaid."
Four writers based in the Canterbury have been selected to receive mentoring from two members of the Canterbury Laureate Squad.
Emmi Itaranta, Rebecca Seery, Chris Bennett and Denny Flowers are the lucky 4 chosen to recieve the intensive, one-to-one support from published authors Andrew McGuinness and Danny Rhodes.
More than 40 people entered the compeition but only 4 could be chosen. Amatuer authors from Canterbury, submitted work of different styles and subject matter.
Andrew McGuinness said, “We received complete short stories and opening excerpts from novellas and novels in many genres, including science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, romance, thriller, comedy and stories for children. Some writers were relatively new to writing and others were more experienced, but all showed a talent for storytelling".
“It’s uplifting to know that so many across the district are putting pen to paper and fingers to keyboards, and we wish all the writers the very best for their continued work.”
The Canterbury Laureate Scheme is funded by Canterbury City Council and managed by the Canterbury Festival, Kent’s international arts festival which will be taking place between 16 and 30 October 2010.
Click here to find out more about The Laureate Scheme.
