TESCO is going ahead with plans to build a store in Tenbury.

On the day that the international supermarket chain announced plans to close 40 stores and abandon plans to build another 49 ‘The Advertiser’ can reveal that Tesco is intending to press ahead with building a store on the former auction yard site.

Tony Penn, who represents Tenbury on Malvern Hills District Council and chairs the Northern Area Planning committee, has revealed that Tesco has written to Malvern Hills District Council confirming that the project will  go ahead although no timetable has been given.

“This is wonderful news and I am thrilled,” said Councillor Penn who has been a strong supporter of the project.

“I am sure that this will be good for Tenbury and ends the uncertainty. Tesco has completed all the work that they have to do within the timescale set by the planning approval.”

The supermarket was first muted in May 2010 but has undergone a series of delays. It is claimed that it will create more than 100 jobs in the town.

It also means that plans can be made for the second phase of the improvements to Tenbury town centre which have been put on hold because of uncertainty about the Tesco plans. The supermarket will provide funding for some of the work in the town.