THE owners of a Christchurch cafe have gone one step further in their fight against the increase in corporate businesses in the town.

Susie and Jim Cregan from Blend have aimed their latest protest directly at the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Nick Geary, following a protest at the opening of the latest coffee shop in the town, Caffe Nero more than two weeks ago.

A sign across one of Blend’s windows reads, “Dear Mayor, we are the true Cafe Hero – see inside for family run, non-corporate superheroes. We are Blend.”

But despite the attention grabbing sign, the pair insist they have a serious message to give.“The biggest thing for us is that Christchurch council agreed to Nero opening when they are 26 per cent above the number of restaurants and food places allowed for the town,” Susie said.

“And now we have Greggs opening. It’s an absolute joke.”

Jim added: “Christchurch is a traditional town with a very rich history. It was known for its array of independent quality shops and now look what we have got.”

Jim and Susie, who opened Blend three-and-a-half years ago say the council should encourage smaller retailers into the town centre but instead choose the easy option.

“Other places are on the brink of closure and this could push them to the limit. Just take a look at Wick Lane.

“We’re not trying to get it closed down but places like it and Greggs should not be opening.

“I am happy to be standing up to them. We pay our rates and we work really hard. If they really want to know what this town needs, why don’t they ask us, the retailers?”

A council spokesman said: “Although the policy threshold is 20 per cent we have to treat each application on its merits.

“If an applicant can demonstrate that they can bring more people into the area – in this case Saxon Square – then this will have a positive impact which can be potentially beneficial to all the traders.”