Mixed reaction to new Tesco

The opening of supermarket giant Tesco in Ellesmere has been met with mixed reaction from traders and business owners in the town.

A week after the store opened at Ellesmere Wharf, some shopkeepers in the town have said the town centre has been quieter and trade has been down, while others hope the store will bring increased footfall to independent retailers.

Syd Hodgkins, owner of SJ Hodgkins Butchers, Scotland Street, said he had seen a marked effect in the town and was concerned Tesco would "take over" all trade.

"I think it's not a good effect on the town," he said. "It affects everyone and turns trade down a little bit."

But Drew Taylor, from B Hawkins & Sons Butchers, Cross Street, said: "There's a lot of outsiders coming in which might in turn benefit the town."

Councillor Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council member for Ellesmere Urban and a member of Ellesmere Town Council, said: "While people are excited about having a Tesco, there are definitely reservations. People are fearful for the town centre. There's bound to be a knock-on effect and it's such a vulnerable time with the reces- sion, but it's early days."

Lincoln McMullan, chairman of the town's Chamber of Trade, said: "I think the majority of us are down in trade, but we are busier because people come and look around the town.

He said: "I hope in the long run it's going to be great."