Traders want new mall

TRADERS want Tesco to build a shopping mall with retail outlets large enough to attract some of the big High Street names.

The supermarket giant's draft plans for redevelopment of the town centre do not include a space for so-called 'multiples' to move into.

However, traders worried about the prospect of a hyperstore taking business away from the rest of the town want a mall linking the new superstore to the High Street. They feel that the introduction of names such as WH Smith, Next and New Look to the town would increase competition and attract more shoppers.

Chamber of Commerce president Adrian Corbin said: 'As it stands at the moment, the proposals are of benefit to nobody but Tesco.'

A sub committee of the chamber met Tesco's agent Christopher Borkowski and questioned him on the possible development of a separate row of shops, but this was viewed as a separate issue and not linked to Tesco's proposals.

However, Mr Corbin added: 'It was a positive meeting and we were able to make suggestions. We can't stay as we are, there's no doubt about that. If we're not careful we could get left behind.

'It would be very easy to stop this proposal just don't sell the land. But the easy option is not necessarily the best option. We have an opportunity here to do something.

'We are not against competition but are concerned that, in isolation, a giant Tesco store would be detrimental to other traders in the town.'