While the wholesale trade welcomed government grants to encourage North East corner shop owners to stock more fresh produce, the concept has not met with overwhelming support from shopkeepers.

According to nebusiness.co.uk, some local store-owners believe the idea needs thinking through.

The government will target 120 “Arkwright-style” stores in the North East to increase access to fruit and veg for the poor.

But local store owners say the plan fails to take floorspace into account and issues associated with handling short-shelf life products.

Lakhwinder Singh, of Southview Stores in Laburnum Avenue, Middlesbrough, told the local press he would have to convert a store room to stock fresh produce. “We should all be health conscious and promoting fruit and veg, but my concern is that I’m only a small shop. A lot of retailers would love to do it, but would there be a grant towards a store room?” he asked.

Another greengrocer Tony Wilson, of Wilson’s in Marton, said the scheme could bring in more revenue. “They could stay competitive and get a much higher margin than on existing goods,” he said. “We try to get 100 per cent on costs and 50 per cent on turnover, but the ROP on hard groceries is terrible.

“Anything that draws attention to healthy eating is good, but it’s difficult to get people to change their habits.”

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