THE divisions over the Tesco development in Tenbury are opening up again.

One of the strongest supporters of the new supermarket has expressed his ‘relief’ that the project is going ahead.

Tony Penn, who represents Tenbury on Malvern Hills District Council, has always supported the Tesco store which, he believes, will bring huge benefit to the town.

However, his enthusiasm is not shared by everyone in the town which has been split by the scheme.

Tony Penn thinks the fears will prove unfounded and says his overriding feeling is of relief.

“Sheer relief that our community now has positive news that a relatively small supermarket is to be built and will be opening early in 2017,” said Tony Penn.

“Pleasure that a site which has been derelict for over 12 years will now become an asset to the town offering free parking for 200 cars together with a beautiful landscaped riverside walk.

“Delight that Worcestershire County Council will now complete the public realm improvements with new footpaths, street lighting etc. from the Crow down to the Regal Cinema.”

He says that shops and businesses in Tenbury will be able to benefit from the addition people that he believes Tesco will bring into the town and that it will create many new jobs.

“The hope is that this will help local residents who have felt it necessary to travel to Kidderminster, Ludlow or Leominster to do their weekly shopping,” said Tony Penn.

“A belief that the opening of a supermarket with highly competitive prices will attract more people to the town and open opportunities for other traders and businesses in the area.

“That substantial help for the Tenbury Transport Trust will come.

“The knowledge that the completion of this development will be another step in the provision of flood defences.

“Pleasure that this project, of which despite strong opposition from some quarters, is now finally going ahead.

“These thoughts are from someone who has witnessed considerable changes during the 52 years.”

But Maureen Taylor is amongst those who strongly disagrees.

“Tesco good for Tenbury Wells - Tony Penn has to be joking - it has already created massive problems with traffic and parking, the pressure on the bridge constantly used by heavy vehicles and lots worse to come,” she said.

“Tenbury Wells is a lovely market town with a unique selection of shops bringing individuality to the town the introduction of Tesco will ruin this.

“We have sufficient supermarkets in this lovely town all selling what is needed to survive and with excellent offers.

“Do we really want to see a town where lots of shops are closing and looking like a ghost town?

“Christmas is of course an essential boost for traders and as it should be they work hard all year round and give an excellent friendly service and this is well deserved extra income.

“So many were opposed to this happening in our lovely town what happened that we were not listened to?”

Traders already concerned about the impact of the new store on local businesses have expressed their concerns that building in the run up to Christmas will damage business as a vital time of the year.

Tesco, who plan to open the store in February 2017, says it will listen to the concerns about disruption to Christmas trade.