Tesco in fresh bid for store

Tesco has made a new bid to open a store in Stourport, sparking fears that independent shops could be forced out of business.

New plans for a foodstore, petrol station and parking spaces for 311 cars on the site of former factory Carpets of Worth in Severn Road have been submitted.

The proposal has sparked criticism from Stourport town councillor David Little who fears a large supermarket would have a "detrimental effect" on the town centre and would lead to "streets full of boarded-up shops".

He added: "You only have to look at Kidderminster to see the impact of a large development. Weavers Wharf has had a terrible effect on the traditional town centre. We don't want that happening in Stourport."

There are also fears that parts of the town, particularly those around the Gilgal area, would become choked with traffic.

Councillor Little is worried about access to and from the site and believes it is going to cause congestion in the already busy Mitton Street and Severn Road.

He said: "I would like to see the store accessed off the Worcester Road. It would take the traffic away from the busy areas."

Tesco had previously submitted a similar application but it was referred to appeal earlier this year after council planning officers ruled a decision could not be made as vital paperwork was missing.

Tesco spokesman Felix Gummer said the firm had explored all options to extend its current premises in Lombard Street but developing the site to provide " a modern large foodstore" was not possible.