SUPERMARKET giant?Tesco has announced that it wants to build a new store in?Okehampton.

If approved, the scheme could provide around 180 full and part-time jobs.

But the proposal has already come in for criticism from a chamber of trade spokesman, who fears it could threaten small town centre shops.

Tesco wants to build a 31,000sq ft foodstore off Link Road. It is to hold public exhibitions in Okehampton to explain its proposals.

Simon Petar, Tesco regional corporate affairs manager said: 'We are delighted to be able to invest in communities during these challenging economic times.

'The store will provide approximately 180 jobs and a vastly increased choice of products and services for Okehampton.

'We look forward to hearing what people may like to see in store as we work up proposals to bring an exciting new shopping offer to Okehampton.'

Up to 270 car parking spaces would be created at the site.

At this stage Tesco has not put in a formal planning application, and is at the exploratory stage of gauging local opinion and interest.

On Monday May 14, the town council held a meeting of its own to discuss Tesco's interest in developing a store in the town, and the chamber of trade has scheduled a meeting for all the businesspeople of Okehampton with Tesco representatives at 7.30pm on Friday May 25 in the White Hart Hotel.

But chamber of trade chairman Ian Bailey did not welcome the Tesco proposal: 'We have three supermarkets in town already that cover across the economic range, and I don't see how Tesco will contribute to the economy of Okehampton.

'I think it will be a real threat to the smaller businesses in the town centre. Across the country I think we can see Tesco having a bad affect on small communities, and I don't see why Okehampton will be any different.

'As for the jobs I don't think it will help lots of people. Many jobs created by Tesco are part-time, and you can't raise a family on 19 hours a week. It won't be enough employment for many people.'

Town councillor and chair of the Okehampton Business Improvement District Association Kay Bickley said she was open-minded about the proposal.

'I think the important thing is to listen to the public at the consultations and see what they want.

'There are some positives to be had. We need retail at that end of town, in terms of planning and the housing developments. It will be interesting to see the size of the proposals put forward by Tesco.'

She said potential 106 arrangements — a legal agreement between a developer and the planning authority to benefit the community financially — may provide some good community benefits.

'With Tesco being one of the "big boys", I am sure some money could be found for a second primary school or sports facilities.

'Anything that encourages people to spend their money in Okehampton is a good thing.

'The potential negative impact could be on the centre of town. We have got to be careful that we don't let any potential development detract from the businesses in the centre of town.

'It is a balance. We need to up the farmers' market and get a market to support local producers too. But it's not all doom and gloom, lots of people shop at Tesco and I would be interested to see the public's reaction.'

Tesco will hold two public exhibitions to gauge public opinion on its proposals, on Friday May 25 at the Charter Hall from 5pm to 8pm, and Saturday May 26 in the Ockment Centre from 10am to 2pm. Representatives from Tesco will be on hand to discuss the proposals and listen to the views of the public.