Battle cry in stores war

Sainsbury's today said it was determined to open a store in Stourbridge - despite an ongoing battle with Tesco.

Sainsbury's revealed for the first time that it has been in major talks with Crown Centre owners Dudley Council.

It wants to open a new store as part of a huge refurbishment programme for the complex.

The firm was pipped to the post by Tesco, which will take over the lease on the former Morrisons store shortly.

But Sainsbury's has also revealed exclusively to the Express & Star that it still wants to open a new store in the town and is now on the look-out for alternative sites.

Chris Templeman, head of property development, said: "We have been in detailed negotiations with the landlords of the Crown Centre for a considerable length of time over the introduction of a Sainsbury's store as part of a wider refurbishment of the centre.

"The news that Morrisons has sold its lease to Tesco is very frustrating and seriously comprimises our ability to provide a Sainsbury's for the shoppers of Stourbridge.

"We are still keen to have a store in Stourbridge and will be re-evaluating our position, in light of recent events, over the next few weeks."

Many traders were stunned when Tesco signed up for the Morrisons, as they have been trying for eight years to get planning permission for a bigger store on the Angel Passage site.

A spokesman for Tesco said the store was appealing against Dudley Council's decision to turn down their application because they are interested in a store there as well.

Regeneration councillor Malcolm Knowles said he was concerned that the fight between the stores was holding up regeneration.

By Rebecca Jones