No referendum on Tenbury Wells Tesco plans

Campaigners' calls for a referendum on plans for a new multi-million pound Tesco superstore in Tenbury Wells have been snubbed after it was claimed a poll would cost taxpayers £1,300.

But Tenbury Town Council has instead agreed to hold a survey to gauge traders' views on the proposed supermarket at the former cattle market site, which Tesco says would create 150 jobs.

Tenbury Futures campaign group, which has produced alternative drawings for the site, had been demanding a referendum on the controversial application.

But town councillors have decided a poll would be ineffective and too expensive.

The plans include a glass and timber 15,000 sq ft store, a 100-space car park, new trees and a riverside walk.

Dawn Worgan, town clerk, said: "The council had discussed various ways of gauging public opinion, but the idea of holding a parish poll was seen to be too costly and not necessarily giving an indicative view as the average turnout is just 15 per cent for such votes.

"Councillors have decided they wish to survey the tradespeople regarding the Tesco application. I believe there are almost 100 business and this will be a written survey dropped off by hand, primarily targeting high street stores. The council felt finding out the traders' view was a more manageable task than a public vote. The forms will all be identical so it can be anonymous."

Results will be revealed at the next council meeting on September 26 at 7.15pm at the Pump Rooms.

Richard Norman of Tenbury Futures said he was disappointed there would be no vote, but welcomed the move towards a survey.

He said: "It's a missed opportunity but I do understand that £1,300 is a lot for the town council to take out of its budget just to run a referendum.

"I just hope they will publish their results and also the questions they are asking people, as the process should be transparent."

By Danny Carden