PEOPLE in Ledbury have joined a three-way fight to save their town’s “soul” from retailing giants.

In one corner stands Tesco and Sainsburys, who want to build superstores on opposite sides of Leadon Way.

And in the other stands residents and traders, who fear either development will destroy one of Britain’s best High Streets.

Around 130 people met under the Market House last night at the request of Ledbury Opposes Tesco Superstore (LOTS).

They agreed to meet at short-notice to lobby Ledbury Town Council into funding an independent retail impact assessment.

The move follows plans for Tesco to move from Orchard Lane to a larger store on the Ledbury Welding site.

But the plot thickened in midweek when Sainsbury’s announced rival plans to build opposite the proposed Tesco site.

LOTS spokesperson Rich Hadley said the assessment was crucial as his group were “fighting for the soul” of Ledbury.

Councillors agreed in principal to carry out an assessment into the effects of an out-of-town superstore on High Street trade, and have asked Sainsbury’s to attend a public meeting about their plans to move to the Galebreaker site.