Shoppers and councillors in Rugeley have hailed major plans for a new superstore in the town as “the best development in decades”.

Supermarket giant Tesco has lodged plans to build a 40,000 sq ft superstore on the site of the former Celcon factory on Power Station Road, as reported in yesterday’s Express & Star. The project would see a superstore and six new retail units built in the town with a 380-space free car park.

Townspeople have today given their backing to the development plans. Shopper Martin Morris, who lives in Etching Hill but works in Tamworth, said: “A lot of the time people in Rugeley feel like the town is one of the poorer relations in the county.

“For a long time we’ve had to settle for second-rate developments and the only shops we’ve attracted have been charity shops. They’re okay up to a point, but what the town needs is sustainable jobs, which is what big businesses usually provide.

“I think it’s the best development in decades and I hope it goes through.”

Councillors in the town have also thrown their weight behind the scheme.

Cabinet member Mick Grocott, whose ward includes the town centre, said the council had laboured to attract big businesses to Rugeley for several years.

“It’s a terrific development, this is what we’ve been working so hard for. Peacocks are arriving in the town centre and now Tesco applying to move in, it’s going to put a huge dent in Rugeley’s unemployment levels,” he said.

“The fact that national chains are looking at the town again is a sign that they can see a bit of confidence and hope for the town, it’s exactly what we need.”

Councillor leader Neil Stanley also hailed the plans, adding: “We are delighted that they’ve submitted their application.

“Their commitment to new investment in Rugeley is a sign of confidence in the future of the town and it is greatly welcomed.”

And Councillor Tony Williams, ward member for Hagley, said: “It’s the most exciting news we’ve had for a very long time.”