LEOMINSTER’S town centre action group is calling on councillors to implement "practical measures" to enhance the county’s market towns.

It follows a decision made last week by Herefordshire Council’s planning committee to refuse plans for two new superstores in the town – one on land at Southern Avenue and another on the current site of steel fabricator Dales on Mill Street.

It was the second time councillors voted against the plans, following an initial decision in January.

Group member, Joan Thwaites, who attended the planning debate, said: "Both the out-of-town superstore applications were for diversionary retail development – drawing customers away from the town centre stores and shops.

"Leominster town centre took a hammering in the early 1990s when its first out-of-town superstore opened. We've taken the view that the town centre could not withstand another assault like that.

"Some town centres have virtually died as a result of large retail developments on the outskirts - Llandrindod Wells suffered very badly.”

"For now, the threat has been lifted from Leominster and as a result, the other Herefordshire market towns can breathe a little easier. Leominster is seen as a test case.”

She added that the group is now calling on councillors to help create the right conditions to enable the market towns to prosper.

When debating the Dales application, committee members raised concerns about flooding and the close proximity of the site to the level crossing while the Morbaine application drew concerns about the impact on Leominster town centre.

Responding to the Hereford Times, Andrew MacWhirter, managing director at Dales, said: “Obviously we are disappointed by the outcome and also a little surprised when considering the planners recommendation for approval and the lack of any objections from statutory consultees.

"We will now be reflecting on our position and the best way of moving forward for us as a business”

A spokesman for Morbaine said the developer was considering its options to work out how to move forward.