Tunbridge Wells is snubbed by Waitrose again

SHOPPERS in Tunbridge Wells are ‘fuming’ after a new store to open in the town was revealed to be a Wilko – and not an upmarket Waitrose.

Many of the Kent town’s 56,500 residents have been campaigning for a Waitrose store for years.

Scores have complained to the supermarket chain’s bosses demanding to know why they had been overlooked.

In 2014, campaigners were angry when Waitrose opened a second store in Sevenoaks, 12 miles away.

Their misery was compounded when another Waitrose opened in Edenbridge – 13 miles away – despite it having a population of just 8,000.

Last year shoppers were ‘beside themselves’ when rumours of a Waitrose store were dashed, and it was announced a Poundland was opening instead.

Tunbridge Wells resident Craig Smart, 43, said the town deserved a Waitrose, which became the first supermarket chain to be granted a Royal Warrant by the Queen in 2002 after supplying the Royal household with groceries.

The electrical engineer added: ‘This is a Royal spa town and Waitrose is known as the Queen’s grocers.

‘We didn’t want a Poundland and we certainly don’t want a Wilko.’

Joanne Taylor, 48, added: ‘I don’t know anybody who wants a Wilko store around here – it’s all a bit downmarket.’