Last updated 08:17, Friday, 27 June 2008

Traders in Wigton are divided over the impact a new Tesco store could have on the town, a new study has revealed.

Shopkeepers are equally split over whether a supermarket chain would harm or improve the town with 41 per cent for each.

The impact study comes after Tesco signed a deal in February to build a store on the site of Hopes Auction Mart. A supermarket will be built on the four-acre site and the livestock market will relocate to the outskirts of town – if Tesco gets planning permission.

But concerns have been raised over the toll such a plan could take on the town’s independent shops and markets.

The study was commissioned by North Allerdale Partnership (NAP), funded by West Lakes Renaissance and undertaken by consultants, White Young Green, soon after the Hopes deal was completed.

Over 60 per cent of shopkeepers, most of whom have been in Wigton for over 20 years, say business is good with just four per cent claiming to be struggling.

Most said the Friday outdoor market, which currently trades on the Hopes site, must stay in the town centre and is essential to their own trade – 70 per cent said Friday was their best trading day and 61 per cent said the market had a positive impact.

All traders at the town’s indoor market said its appearance and high rents cause problems and opinion was divided over whether it has a future.

It was felt a greater range of shops, more flexible parking and better town marketing would bring the biggest improvements to the town centre.

Mike Phillips, of NAP, said the study was not about whether the development should go ahead, which would be an issue for Allerdale Borough Council’s planners. He added: “The impact study is an innovative approach to say; ‘what if these developments go ahead, how can the impact be managed for Wigton and the surrounding areas?’

“What are the issues that need to be addressed and how can we build on the benefits?”

The study produced calls for better public transport links, vacant shops to be filled and maintained along with greater promotion of Wigton as the “Gateway to the Solway”. It also recommended that a Business Forum be set up in the town to unite traders.

Meetings will be held over the next few weeks with the aim of establishing a partnership between the town council, traders, NAP and the North Allerdale Development Trust together with Hopes and Tesco.

Town council chairwoman, Elaine Lynch, said it was early days, but that the study’s findings would be discussed by the council.

A Tesco spokesman said: “We are very keen to work with NAP to take this forward.