Fears over traffic for Stourport Tesco plan

A new Tesco would bring thousands of extra cars into Stourport every week and place extra strain on the town's congested road network, it was claimed today ahead of a key ruling by the Court of Appeal.

Townsfolk are awaiting the results of a court case which has blocked the start of work on the former Carpets of Worth site in Severn Road.

A councillor said today the decision, expected soon from three appeal judges in London, could prove to be a red-letter day for Stourport.

Plans for a Tesco supermarket have already been approved by Wyre Forest Council, but the Mid-Counties Co-operative launched a legal battle to get it thrown out amid fears it would kill trade in the town.

There are fears the supermarket scheme, including a 300-space car park, would have a severe impact on already overcrowded roads.

County and district councillor Jim Parish said the plans had split opinion in Stourport.

"There are those who say it will of enormous benefit to Stourport and others who do not want it to open.

"However there are concerns about the amount of extra traffic which it will bring into Stourport.

"Plans include a 300 space car park, and we estimate there would be an extra 1,000 traffic movements brought into the town every day."

Councillor Parish added:?"This, combined with plans for a housing development nearby, would place a significant extra strain on our roads."