[kj] Mrs Coleman's Gloucestershire uprising

Thu Jul 15 11:53:08 EDT 2004

Sorry to throw you into the spotlight of the gathering Mrs Coleman, but we 
will all admire your anti-corporate stance.

>From LexisNexus:

>>>>Copyright 2004 Gloucestershire Echo
Gloucestershire Echo

July 1, 2004

SECTION: News; Other; Others; Pg. 7

LENGTH: 539 words

HEADLINE: Plan for jewellery shop is a disgrace

BODY:
Gloria Coleman said proposals by fashion and jewellery chain Accessorize for 
the former Scott Cooper building would mean a loss to the town's heritage. 
The frontage includes period curved glass, brass mouldings and a unique 
glass door.

Accessorize plan to expand into the now empty shop next to their existing 
store and want to replace the art nouveau door, remove a staircase and 
create openings between the two properties.

Their application for listed building consent says the existing store would 
be modified to match the former Scott Cooper building.

The jewellery dealership was opened in 1906 by W Scott Cooper and was run by 
four generations of the family until last year, when they said the industry 
had become dominated by designer labels.

Its collection of remaining jewellery was sold for £85,000 at auction last 
month. Phone bidders from as far afield as Hong Kong, Russia, the US and 
Australia competed with those present at the auction, held at the Tithe Barn 
in Southam, for hundreds of pieces of Russian and art nouveau jewellery, 
silverware and furniture.

Some of the most sought-after items, a Faberge egg and jade puppy, went for 
£2,500 and £1,500 respectively.

Mrs Coleman, who lives in Charlton Kings, said: "It's a jewel in the crown - 
one of the last remaining original frontages.

"The brass mouldings and entrance are pure art nouveau." Mrs Coleman, 72, 
added: "I was here 50 years ago and fell in love with it.

"I still get a kick walking down the Prom but many of the unique features 
have gone and this is one of the last ones.

"I'm a committed Cheltonian. I really love this town and when I see 
something being taken away from it, it makes me very angry.

"I ask all those who are proud of our Promenade to write to Cheltenham 
Borough Council and protest before it is too late." Mrs Coleman, although 
retired, still works as a supply teacher at Lakeside Primary School in 
Hatherley.

She was named Teacher of the Year in 1994 and is the mother of Jaz Coleman 
from the acclaimed metal band Killing Joke.

Accessorize's application has also been criticised by Cheltenham Civic 
Society, which strongly recommends refusal.

The society's comments on the application read: "The shop front of number 52 
is the last remaining from an earlier time - an historic curiosity - and as 
such, must remain intact.

"The removal of the door opening, with its radiused glass recess, would 
reduce much of its charm and be a significant loss to the Promenade." 
Society chairman John Henry said there was no objection to Accessorize 
taking over the property, just to their plans for the front.

"One can see the windows being used as a nice display for Accessorize," he 
said.

"It's very nice and there's no better example in Cheltenham. It would be a 
great pity to lose it." Store manager Donna McMeekin said: "The front of the 
building isn't going to be touched.

"The Accessorize that's currently here will look more in keeping with the 
shop next door, rather than do anything with the Scott Cooper building." 
Cheltenham Borough Council's planning department will consider the 
application, and all representation from the public, over the coming weeks.

LOAD-DATE: July 2, 2004

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