Worksop: New Tesco saga set to drag on

Frustrated Worksop shoppers will have to remain patient as the proposed new Tesco saga is set to drag on.
Site of the new Tesco store between Carlton Road and Blyth Road overgrown with weedsSite of the new Tesco store between Carlton Road and Blyth Road overgrown with weeds
Site of the new Tesco store between Carlton Road and Blyth Road overgrown with weeds

The supermarket bosses have this week told the Guardian that until Bassetlaw District Council refer all their evidence to the Secretary of State regarding objections to the two proposed routes for the public footpath on the site then no progress can be made.

A Tesco spokesperson said they have now sent the council all the required details, which is the final stage to ensure the store can move forward.

Mark Thomas said: “Once the council has referred the footpath matter to the Secretary of State, and provided a positive decision is made, we’ll be able to move on with our store and bring improved shopping choice and hundreds of new jobs to Worksop.”

Guardian reader Helen Cooper, of Edwards Street, Worksop, contacted us last week regarding the proposed new Tesco. She wrote in her letter: “Ten years ago, the council forced through Tesco’s application to build a new shop on the site of the old Maltings.”

“Big machinery moved in and then out of the site. Now there is a barren earth, a natural pond and a few footballs. When can we expect this Tesco?”

In February Bassetlaw Council told this newspaper that the matter would be referred to the Secretary of State and this week the council confirmed they are continuing to compile all the required information.

A council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately we are not able to say how long this process may take.”