Westside News "Sad to see butcher go"

LOYAL shoppers at The Gap are disappointed the suburb is losing one of its cornerstone businesses Spencers.

Local residents Philip Flanagan and Maggy Saldais are two of many loyal customers who will now have to travel 40km to and from Middle Park, where the butcher plans to relocate.

Mr Flanagan contacted Westside News last week, saying he had bought his meat from the local butcher for more than 25 years and didn’t want to see it replaced by franchise outlet Lenard’s.

“Spencers has been serving my family for the last 25 years, and doing it well, with a sense of traditional butcher shop service that is dying with the big supermarkets and with an innovative passion that kept us trying new dishes,” Mr Flanagan said.

Fellow The Gap resident Maggy Saldais also contacted Westside News, saying the only reason she would not move all her business to Keperra was she had established relationships with other key small businesses in the area.

“I think it is disgusting for a business so obviously in support of The Gap community to have 40 years of goodwill count for absolutely nothing,” she said.

The Gap Village Shopping Centre management spokeswoman Judy Dewar declined to comment on the reasons why the long-time tennant was leaving.

Spencers was opened in 1970 in the Barry Park centre, before moving to its current location in 1985.

Current owner Shaun Spencer, who took over the business from his father seven years ago, declined to comment on the situation but thanked customers for their support.

The Gap Chamber of Commerce president Simon Earles said it was regrettable the business was leaving as it was one of the area’s best and longest established.

“The local butchery in The Gap Village has become a part of the commercial and community fabric of The Gap after over 30 years operations,” Mr Earles said.

“The variety and personal service offered by small businesses such as Spencers is extremely important to the profile of The Gap.”