Owners of Stratford Garden Centre "disappointed" by Wyevale's refusal to reconsider the renaming of its nearby store to 'Stratford-upon-Avon garden centre'.
Despite requests from Stratford Garden Centre, an independent, family-run business employing 50 people locally, the Wyevale group has refused to reconsider the new name, despite claims that, the recent change of identity at the Wyevale centre has already caused confusion for businesses and shoppers.

Stratford Garden Centre, which has been located just two miles from Stratford town centre in Clifford Chambers for over five years, contacted Wyevale last month and asked that they reconsider their new name, but to no avail.

Managing director of Stratford Garden Centre, Helen Lloyd explained: "As a local, family-run business we believe in being part of the local community, after all that's why we called ourselves Stratford Garden Centre.

"We provide a service to the area and actively support projects like sponsoring a lolly pop lady and providing plants for local causes. We're constantly on the look out for ways in which we can develop our garden centre, our products and our services so that we can benefit the area.

"Our independence is important to us and as a service oriented business we are anxious that Wyevale's decision to rename its outlet Stratford upon Avon Garden Centre may cause confusion. Obviously we're disappointed by their refusal to reconsider."

Ms Lloyd concluded: "Unfortunately we are not in a position to pursue this further. Now is our busiest time of year and we just want to get back to business. We're extremely proud of our garden centre, our staff and our products and we will continue to do what independent businesses do best; offer shoppers something that's inspiring and different.

"In the meantime, we are monitoring the situation carefully and will do everything we can to alleviate any inconvenience caused."