National brand Greggs confirms it IS cooking up a plan to open in Ashbourne
The bakery firm has more than 1,700 stores and its next one is due to open in Blenheim Road
Gareth Butterfield
High street brand Greggs has confirmed rumours it could be setting up shop in Ashbourne, after plans were submitted for alterations to a new empty shop in Blenheim Road.
The bakery firm, which employs 20,000 people across more than 1,700 stores in the UK, had initially told the News Telegraph it could "neither confirm nor deny" rumours it was planning to move into one of two empty units created at the former ­motorhome showroom on the edge of the Industrial Estate.
However plans have recently been submitted for illuminated signs carrying the distinctive "Greggs" logo, and an air-conditioning system at the middle unit, the second of three which will be opening alongside the new ­Co-operative convenience store, which opens in a few weeks.
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A spokesman for Greggs, which started as a one-man band in the North East 75 years ago, told the News Telegraph: "We're looking into the ­possibility of opening a new shop in Ashbourne early next year, and will have more information about exactly where and when in the near future."
The building the Co-op will open the new store in was formerly home to Peak Leisure Vehicles and Accessories
The third shop created by the conversion of the showroom, which will be served by a row of parking bays in front of the stores, is rumoured to be a fish and chip takeaway outlet.
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The new Co-operative food store, which will be running alongside the town's Co-operative supermarket in Shaw Croft, will be opening on Friday, October 26, bosses announced last month.
The society will officially open its new store at 9am with a ribbon-cutting ceremony involving local schoolchildren and charities.
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The shop will be open from 7am until 10pm seven days per week, including Sundays, and is creating 22 new jobs.
It is not known how many jobs will be created at the other stores.