BRITAIN’S biggest retailer has confirmed plans to open a new, larger store in Ledbury.

Tesco wants to replace its “cramped” supermarket on Orchard Lane with a larger store elsewhere.

The retail giant confirmed the news on Monday following speculation from town councillors the previous week.

Sophie Akokhia, Tesco regional corporate affairs manager, said the proposed relocation was down to customer demand.

She said Tesco had been looking at relocation for some time as some customers were shopping elsewhere for wider choice.

“Our customers have been telling us they would like a wider choice of quality products and a bit more space,” said the manager.

“As a result of that we are exploring developing a new Tesco store and not an additional one.”

Ms Akokhia also confirmed that Tesco had earmarked a potential site and was hoping to give a public briefing in a few weeks.

She refused to identify the location and said redeveloping the current site was not feasible, calling it cramped and not ideal.

“If we were to develop the current site it would be on stilts and that would be awful for local residents so we’re looking at alternative locations in Ledbury,” said Ms Akokhia.

“The present site would be open for redevelopment and one idea may be residential.”

Councillor Clive Jupp first mentioned the rumours at last Thursday’s annual town meeting.

He understood the retailer had appointed a PR firm to test local opinion, and asked mayoral candidates Tony Bradford and Allen Conway for their views. Both expressed caution, saying there wasn’t a need for a larger supermarket in Ledbury, but stressed they would need more facts.