NEWS of discount retailer Poundland moving into Teignmouth has received a mixed response.

The company has confirmed it is opening a new store in Bank Street early in September.

Taking over the former M&Co premises, the shop is expected to recruit about 15 new staff.

But the opening has prompted a huge response from residents, some for and some against.

Almost 200 comments have been made on social media about the company’s move into the town.

Tricia Forrester said it was a ‘very bad idea’ which would be likely to drive some local shops out of business and would ‘add nothing to the ambience of the town’.

Former town councillor Richard Ash said: ‘Teignmouth decidedly does not need a Poundland. We have enough budget outlets.

‘The missed opportunity, what Teignmouth lacks, is a permanent indoor market.

‘It’s the right size and right location for lots of stalls, startup businesses, arts and crafts, bring and buy, repairs, alterations, service, I could go on.’

Others believe with the current cost of living crisis, Poundland could be a real benefit to residents.

Further comments compared the discount retailer’s move into Teignmouth to the opening of the town’s Wetherspoons pub some years ago which, at the time, had led to fears of an adverse effect in the town.

Despite the concerns, no pubs had closed since then.

Another example was the opening of a Greggs shop which had also sparked concerns for other bakeries.

But now, queues were frequently seen at other bakers which meant a good choice for everyone.

Jonathan Green said: ‘It might bring people into town instead of going to Newton Abbot then spend money in other shops and coffee shops.

‘For a larger national company to invest in Teignmouth brings jobs as well.’

And Rachel Williams agreed: ‘Whatever people think of Poundland it is giving local people jobs who need jobs also it is bringing money into Teignmouth.’

Andy Jay said: ‘Competition is good. It’s a positive to see a store opening rather than closing.’

But David Bryant believes it is a ‘backward step’ for Teignmouth which needs a ‘quality retailer.’

And Elaine Hill said: ‘It’ll be awful for our town.

‘I feel so bad for the other shops that sell similar if not the same things as they will be.

‘It’ll create a few jobs, only a few as they apparently use self service machines, but take away potentially a significant amount and leave even more empty shops. ‘I understand some need cheap right now but don’t we have enough cheap shops in Teignmouth?’

Chairman of Teignmouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce Keith Underhill said previously that there had been a ‘mixed’ reaction from traders.

He said: ‘If you happen to have cheaper stores in a town, this is going to be competition but for the rest of the town, it can bring more people in.’