WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Harriett Baldwin has been invited to meet Tesco chiefs to discuss the company’s plans to develop a new store in Tenbury Wells.

The move follows Mrs Baldwin writing to new chief executive Dave Lewis asking for an update on the supermarket's plans to develop the old cattle market. Tesco has come in for criticism in recent months for sitting on development land but not progressing with new store construction. Conditions on the planning consent in Tenbury, insist the retailer contributes towards the town’s community transport scheme and builds vital flood defences.

Mrs Baldwin said: "I was recently at the launch of the Tenbury Transport Trust, which is depending on the Tesco donation to secure a long term future for their service. I decided to write to the new chief executive and ask for a progress update and I am pleased that Tesco has agreed to meet with me. The decision to approve a new store was not taken lightly and the planners put requirements on the company to ensure the community benefits from the development as well as creating new jobs. I am told that in response to changing customer shopping habits Tesco have decided to reduce the amount of new store space they build each year. This means that they are currently reviewing timescales for the proposed store in Tenbury.

“Nevertheless, the company wishes to be a ‘good neighbour’ in Tenbury before the store opening and I am sure we will have a constructive discussion about the situation on the cattle market site.”