Will new Tesco kill off market?

Stallholders at a traditional Shropshire market fear the arrival of a new supermarket could spell the end for their businesses.

Traders in Madeley, Telford, say their market, which runs every Tuesday and Saturday, has drastically declined in size in recent years.

Somerfield, the main supermarket in the town, closed last weekend to make way for a new Tesco store which is due to open on a temporary site on July 2 while a larger store is built.

The Somerfield store, which overlooks Madeley market, is due to be demolished to make way for a new road.

While work is ongoing, the stallholders have been told by Telford & Wrekin Council they will be moved to a concrete area by the memorial field.

Peter Clarke, 56, of Admaston, has run Jan's Veg with wife Janet at the market for eight years and is already losing up to £400 a week.

He said: "Two traders have already gone this week. On July 6, what used to be Somerfield is getting demolished and it will be like a bomb site where I'm standing.

"If we were allowed on Tesco car park that would be okay, they are supposed to support the small businesses, but we are going to get moved to the memorial field."

Len Jerram, 62, from Cannock, has been selling plants on his Bridge Nurseries stall for more than 15 years.

"When the road is built we have been told we can come back here, but there's a fair chance we won't be in business by then. People just won't see us," he said.

Graham Smith, 47, from Madeley, who has had a toiletries stall for nearly 17 years and has also seen a decline in sales over recent years, added: "It's a fear of the unknown. I honestly don't know what will happen."

The new supermarket is part of a £20 million revamp of Madeley town centre and 50 jobs have been created. No-one from Tesco was available for comment.

Councillor Eric Carter, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "While I acknowledge the difficulties faced by the local traders and residents during the construction phase, it is anticipated the scheme will benefit Madeley and bring extra shoppers to the area which will benefit traders in the long term."

He said the council's market management company had met traders to discuss a temporary re-location to the nearby green.

By Catherine Roche