Shop and small business owners in the town centre have spoken of the threat that a supermarket will pose to their trade and many have expressed fears about being forced to close down if they cannot compete.

Developers GMI Rovinian have confirmed that Tesco will be part of the £22m regeneration of the Bridge Street area but members at Clay Cross Parish Council have stated that they do not want to see the town losing its market or existing shops because of this.

At a parish council meeting, Cllr Pete Riggott said: "The last thing that we want to do at this moment in time is see the market collapse and fall away.

"In the past, we have supported the town centre businesses and this is about us as a parish council and our commitment to them.

"There are going to be difficult times but it's about moving Clay Cross forward and at the same time supporting the businesses."

Councillors agree that if they want to encourage more visitors into the town, attractions such as the market are vital.

Cllr Ted Mansbridge said: "We would like people to come and shop in Clay Cross and to have a choice with the old and the new.

"I would like to support everybody but there are people who are going to lose out."