A LONG-STANDING Stour-port councillor has dem-anded residents and traders be given the chance to voice their opinions on whether they want a supermarket giant to move into town.

Conservative, David Little, a town councillor for more than 20 years, fears plans for a superstore on the former Carpets of Worth site in Severn Road will mean a bleak future for smaller traders.

Tesco declared an interest in buying the land in January and spoke of plans to build 30,000 sq ft premises, creating 250 jobs, that could replace its existing smaller store in Lombard Street.

Mr Little said he was angered by reports that contact had been made between potential buyers and Wyre Forest District Council before Stourport people had been consulted.

He said: "It seems as if it is almost a done deal that Stourport will be getting one of these big supermarkets but what about the views of the people that actually live and run businesses here?

"My personal view is that I think it would be disastrous for traders in the town centre. It would mean we lose traditional businesses because they would not be able to compete. This has happened all over the country.

"The important thing is that Stourport people are asked before it goes too far down the line. If they want it to happen, then that's fine. At the moment, no-one has been asked and that's my main point."

A development of homes and retail units, including a supermarket, was earmarked for the site in the district council's Local Plan, which detailed preferred land uses until 2011.

Stephen Clee, whose role as district council leader includes responsibility for economic regeneration, said developers could be asked to stump up cash for a possible bridge over the River Stour to act as a gateway to the site.

Mr Clee, who is also a town councillor, added: "The people of Stourport will be able to give their views and comments. There are nine district councillors that represent the town on the council. I cannot really see how anyone could suggest that the residents won't get their chance to comment.

"Any planning application will be made as normal to the district council and Stourport Town Council will be consulted as it always is during that planning process. Town councillors will have their say in the same way as every other.

"We are talking about a £50 million development. We have made contact with one or two key players about the regeneration but that is still at a very early stage. No formal application has been received yet.

"The bridge would open up the site. We have big plans for regeneration in Stourport and this would play a massive part in enhancing the town as a whole."