Supermarker giant Sainsbury's is hoping to move into Moreton-in-Marsh.
But one shop keeper believes it could be the death knell for many independent businesses.
The chain announced this week that it wants to build a store and a petrol station opposite the hospital. It would be slightly larger than the Tesco in nearby Stow-on-the-Wold, and would create 150 jobs in the town.
But trader and resident Steve Farnsworth, said the plans for the field south of Fosseway Avenue, next to the A429, were "ludicrous".
Further retail development - There is a real danger that this scheme will open the door to more retail development, changing forever Moreton’s unique character as a Cotswold Market Town. If this proposal goes ahead, the pressure will be on for more development on this site, potentially leading to an out of town Retail Park, impacting even more local residents directly and putting further pressure on town centre businesses and their local suppliers.
Ed: You couldn't make it up! One town opposes Sainsbury's (Chippy) because it could take business away. Moreton opposes Sainsbury's because it could bring more business in. Amazing!
Ed: You couldn't make it up! One town opposes Sainsbury's (Chippy) because it could take business away. Moreton opposes Sainsbury's because it could bring more business in. Amazing!