People in St Ann’s have spoken out about what they’d like to see replace an old GP on Wells Road. The GP hasn’t been open for a number of years. The Valley House surgery is on the market and is being advertised for £695,000.
Many people have said that they’d like to see a supermarket re-opening in the area. Currently, there is no major supermarket in St Ann’s.
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In the area, there is only a Heron Food store. Previously, people in St Ann’s have called for more facilities.
In July 2021, the Aldi store on Huntingdon Street closed down leaving the area without a major supermarket. Now, people have to travel to the Aldi on Woodborough Road or go into town if they want to shop around.
Unemployed Angela Reyonlds, 56, from St Ann’s says she’s hopeful about what the old GP will turn into. Angela mentioned it had been closed for many years and said: “I hope it’s something the community can use. That GP has been closed for ages. It would be nice to see a shop.
“There’s a cafe and a takeaway just next door to the GP so a new shop could bring them business. In an area where everyone’s so friendly and they just want to sit down, have a catch up, socialise, not much else would do well I don’t think.”
John Watson is 77-years-old and is now retired. Originally from London, he’s lived in St Ann’s for around 20 years.
John would like to see houses and said: “I think it [the old practice] could be houses. Youngsters are always needing somewhere, people will always need houses.”
John isn’t too bothered about a pub not being in the area. He said: “Nobody drinks nowadays. With shops, they’re all closing down now and going to retail parks instead.”
Katie Bates, 31 and a sales assistant from St Ann’s, said: “I think most people around here would agree that we need a shop.
“Everyone I know was gutted when the old Aldi closed down and Heron is good and sells most things but it would still be nice to have a branded shop - other areas have at least one so why not St Ann’s?”
Receptionist Claire Holden, 45, and from St Ann’s would also like to see a shop. She said: “We need a supermarket. A supermarket that’s bigger than Heron where you can just browse for a while and do your shopping.
“I don’t think it’s fair that we don’t have a major supermarket here, where the GP probably wouldn’t be big enough for that anyway, it’s a shame. I either go to town or the Woodborough Road Aldi to do my shopping. Sometimes, I get on the bus or drive to the Lidl in Sherwood.”
Diane Giliespie, the owner of the dual store on Wells Road has a florist there called Scentiment and a cafe, Munch ‘n’ Bunch. Despite it maybe not being good for her business, she’d like to see a pub.
She said: “Whatever it is, has to be an improvement. I’d like to see a family pub for locals. It might not be good for me and my business but in terms of what people need around here, I think a pub is the answer.”
