CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for a new Tesco in Ledbury have told the retail giant to expect a lengthy battle.

Ledbury Opposes Tesco Superstore (LOTS) is drawing up a battleplan to prevent Tesco moving to Leadon Way.

Some 150 people attended the first LOTS meeting last Friday (Jun 3) less than a fortnight after the plans became public.

The group was launched by Rich Hadley to fight the retailer’s bid to relocate from Orchard Lane to the Ledbury Welding site.

Members fear a Belmont-sized store will ruin a “perfect balance” of shops and decimate town centre trade.

Mr Hadley stressed the campaign was not anti-Tesco but against any generic plan for a superstore on the edge of town.

He said the proposed store was “completely out of proportion” and told residents to be wary of dirty tricks and a lengthy PR war.

“Sheringham in Norfolk were fighting 14 years but lost their case last year - we’re in this for the long haul,” said Mr Hadley.

“We feel a development like this will be disastrous for this town. Tesco are predatory and they are circling around Ledbury.”

Traders Association chairman and panelist, Annette Crowe, added that she and another shopkeeper had received hate mail because of their opposition.

Dozens of residents - including barristers, traders and PR specialists - offered to help the group following the packed meeting.

Residents suggested a boycott of the existing store and launching a “fighting fund” to raise the cash for a retail consultant.

They also called for firm backing from Bill Wiggin MP, who said he was “following developments closely” in a statement.