Public protest over Tenbury Wells Tesco plan

Campaigners fighting plans for a Tesco superstore in Tenbury Wells were due to gather for a public protest outside the town's Pump Rooms today.

Members of the TesNO group were expected to meet at 4pm to issue a statement outlining concerns over the planned 15,000 sq ft store.

The protest has been organised to coincide with an exhibition inside the building by Tesco officials, outlining proposals for the store on the town's cattle market. Tesco says it could create up to 150 jobs.

Residents have also claimed the Teme Bridge, which would form a major access point for the store, is in need of "overdue substantial maintenance work".

Initial plans for the store were withdrawn in July after the company failed to get consent to demolish the nearby Russell Baldwin & Bright building.

But revised plans have been submitted, which include a circular entrance way, a reduced service yard to allow parking for up to 100 cars, improved landscaping along the River Teme and altering site levels to prevent flooding.

The superstore has divided public opinion in the town with some claiming it will create much needed jobs and others fearing it could sound the death knell for a number of local shops.

Andy Stevenson, one of the campaigners, said some residents and business owners were expected at the meeting, and added: "Many of these people will be members of the TesNO group who have very specific concerns about Tesco's aims in Tenbury and how these would affect our existing struggling high street shops and the Teme Bridge."

A Tesco spokesman has previously said: "We believe a Tesco store offering a quality affordable food range will encourage more people to shop locally."