Croydon's retailers are already preparing to fight their corner in the shopping war with Dartford's massive Bluewater shopping and leisure complex, writes OWEN PHILLIPS.

Although the giant sized rival centre - just an hour's drive away from Croydon - is not due to open until early next year, local traders have begun to look at ways to combat Bluewater's threat. A group of retailers will be going on a fact- finding mission to the complex in mid-September and businesses will be keeping a keen eye on developments over the coming months.

But despite predicting an initial loss of trade and some staffing cutbacks, Croydon's businesses are confident they will be able to see off what is described as the UK's largest purpose-built regional shopping and leisure centre.

Croydon's millennium Tramlink and Skyline projects are both well underway and with plans for an indoor arena as part of the redevelopment of the East Croydon "Gateway" site, the borough believes it has the upper hand.

Council leader and group chairman Valerie Shawcross said: "We have to ensure Croydon remains attractive and our overall appeal is enough to keep customers coming back.

"Bluewater will be a novelty but Croydon aims to offer better all-round facilities - including cultural and entertain- ment venues."

She added: "Visiting Bluewater again will enable our retailers to remind themselves of what this new trading rival will offer.

"They are realistic to recognise that some trade may be lost initially, but it is encouraging that they feel Croydon has some useful weapons in its armoury which will win more shoppers and visitors."

The combined area of Croydon's Whitgift and Drummond centres is just a little smaller than Bluewater but including the rest of the shopping centre Croydon still has a million more square feet of shopping space than the Dartford development.

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