AS ANOTHER coffee chain sets its sights on Witney, it is clear residents have mixed feelings about the idea.

Five years after it was supposed to open in Marriotts Walk, Starbucks has now applied to move into Witney’s Woolgate Centre.

Some residents fear that Witney – which is still home to many independent shops – is in danger of losing its identity.

If Starbucks moves into the town, it will be the fourth coffee chain to open in Witney. It is already home to a Cafe Nero and two Costa coffee shops.

And there is no doubt that multi-national chains such as Starbucks have the power and financial means to squeeze the life out of Witney’s smaller shops.

As Lesley Semaine, of Witney Chamber of Commerce, rightly says, it would be “a great shame” if Witney were to lose its independence and character.

Having said that, there are some positive benefits a Starbucks could bring to Witney.

It could add to the vibrancy of the town, create jobs for local people and attract visitors to Witney.

It is also telling that Richard Taee, manager of independent coffee shop Huffkins, which would surely be a direct rival to Starbucks, has welcomed the news as being “good for business” and “good for customers”.

We now wait with interest to see the outcome of the application.