Store wars

Around 200 jobs would be created by the multi-million-pound scheme to boost trade at the Holmbush Centre store.

It wants to increase its areas selling clothing, electrical and leisure goods and create a caf by increasing its floor space by 2,407 square metres to 9,830sq m.

Outside delivery and handling areas would also be increased, resulting in the loss of 130 spaces in the car park.

Business leaders fear the expansion could kill off trade in Adur's town centres.

Tesco originally submitted expansion plans to Adur District Council in January, 2004, but they were put on hold while the company carried out a trade impact survey.

It showed that, last year, 40 per cent of money spent on convenience goods in the area went to Tesco. This is expected to rise to 43 per cent by 2008.

Somerfield supermarket in Shore-ham town centre is predicted to lose 160,000 a year in trade to Tesco.

The overall loss of trade in the town is expected to be about 260,000 annually.

Meanwhile, Tesco expects its turn-over at Holmbush will increase by 5.15milllion.

For the full story, read this week's Herald.