THE closure of one of Tenbury’s iconic businesses has sent shockwaves through the town.

And this has been compounded this week with the news that the planned Tesco supermarket will not open until 2015.

Books Books Books on Teme Street will close as soon as the remaining stock is sold.

Its closure follows the loss of Country Flowers two weeks ago.

The owner confirmed the business has been hit by the general economic situation combined with the move to online shopping.

Tenbury councillor Phil Grove, member for economic development on Malvern Hills District Council, is deeply concerned about the closure.

“This is very disappointing and is a shop that I have grown up with,”

he said.

“It is not long ago that it expanded and moved into new premises from the other side of the road.

“Many people now shop online and there is a changing emphasis on how people shop.

“I was also very sorry to see Country Flowers shut down as there has been a flower shop on that site for as long as I can remember.”

Sadie Chalkley, president of the Tenbury Chamber of Trade, fears that the closure of Books Books Books will have wider ramifications for the town.

“This is a very significant business that attracted people into the town that otherwise might not visit Tenbury,” she said.

She believes that when the Tesco supermarket arrives it will make matters worse.

“It will kill the town as the ar rival of a large supermarket always does.

I know of only one town where this has not been the case,” she added.

But this will not happen for at least two years after Tesco announced that work on the store in the old Auction yard site will not begin until next year.

It’s now five years since the project that promised up to 150 full and part time jobs was first mooted.

“Tesco remains committed to Tenbury but I have no information about exactly when work will start or complete,” said spokesman Sophie Akokhia from Tesco.

Tony Penn, who represents Tenbury on MHDC, says the delay will impact upon improvements to the town that will be partly funded by the supermarket chain.

Last year Tenbury received £10,000 from the initiative led by retail guru Mary Portas to help struggling High Streets.

An earlier bid for £100,000 was unsuccessful.