A DELUGE of letters from the public has shown the strength of attachment to the town’s historic first department store.

More than 7,000 people have objected to plans by Beales’s landlord to turn the top four storeys of its flagship store into 76 homes.

Many cite planning issues such as the absence of any parking in the scheme, or the likely loss of jobs – but many also speak of their personal connection with the store.

Beales’ chairman Stuart Lyons has said he is “hugely” grateful to those who have written to oppose the application. Meanwhile, Rachel McIsaac, partner in landlord AEW UK, has said the best way people can support Beales is to spend money there.

But the objections reveal the strength of feeling toward the store, founded in 1881.

Becky Cresswell from Southbourne wrote: “This store represents part of the heritage of the town, as the first ever store in the town, and provides a diversity to the shopping experience of Bournemouth. Without stores such as Beales, Bournemouth as a shopping centre would be just like any other high street – generic and not attractive.”

Jason Dean, of Florence Road, Lower Parkstone, said: “As a child, I used to visit the store with my family, including grandparents who would reminisce of their experiences within the store throughout their lifetimes, tales of Father Christmas and his grotto through to the chicks that would run around on one of the floors at Easter time … even through to modern times taking my daughter to events such as breakfast with Santa.”

Gareth McKechnie, who recently moved from Bournemouth to Crowther Close, Southampton, wrote: “We need to keep the rich history of Beales alive within Bournemouth town centre. It survived the war and has brought so much happiness to so many people.

“I know I am not the only person that feels this way about the future of this lovely store.”

Paul Masterson, of Bargates, Christchurch, wrote: “Having moved to the Bournemouth conurbation 15 years ago, we have quickly come to realise that Beales plays a huge part of Bournemouth life and we are avid shoppers in the store…

“Every year, along with many families, we attend the store’s Breakfast with Santa event. This event is one of the pinnacles of the year for local children and I fear a reduction in space for the store would prevent it from carrying on.”

Beales’ life president Nigel Beale wrote: “Beales was founded by my great-grandfather in 1881 and has traded on that site ever since. Beales is one of the principal independent department stores outside London. The present owners are anxious to continue to trade the whole of the building. Indeed, they have ambitious plans for the enlargement of the retail space on the upper floors.”

An 80-year-old resident of Bearwood recalled the devastating bombing of Bournemouth in 1943: “I vividly remember my mother pushing me in a pushchair down to Messrs Beales Ltd to see the dire result of the bombing… I can still see in my memory, Messrs Beales, rebuilt in all its glory.

“One has only to walk around the store to have a wonderful ‘lift’ emotionally which is priceless.”

Another wrote: “Beales survived bombing by the enemies of this country. I hope it can survive the plans of the property developers.”