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

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

And in the other stand residents and traders, who fear either development will destroy their High Street.

The fighting talk went up a notch last Thursday when about 130 protesters met under the Market House.

They were asked by Ledbury Against Tesco Superstore (LOTS) to lobby Ledbury Town Council (LTC) to fund an independent retail impact assessment into the effects of a Belmont-sized store.

But they now face a battle on two fronts – as Sainsbury’s announced plans to build on the Galebreaker site in midweek.

LOTS spokesman Rich Hadley claimed it was imperative that LTC paid for the independent assessment.

He said: “We are fighting for the very soul of Ledbury. With the prospect of two superstores we’ve got to redouble our efforts.

“We’ll be fighting on two fronts but we’re not going to lose as we’ve got great arguments on our side.”

One of those arguments is that Ledbury is riding high in a BBC Radio 4 poll to find Britain’s best High Street.

LTC was also encouraged to fund an assessment by Bill Wiggin MP, with LOTS offering to foot half the £15,000 bill.

Councillors expressed caution after hearing that Herefordshire Council had appointed Deloitte to conduct its own survey.

And Coun Jayne Roberts said LTC should not be siding with traders, as some residents may welcome the plans.

LTC agreed in principal to carry out the assessment and has asked Sainsbury’s representatives to attend a public meeting.

The retailer says the store will create 220 jobs, would concentrate on food and could include a petrol station.

Galebreaker has been in lengthy talks about moving to a purpose-built flagship site in Ledbury as part of the deal.

Managing director Jeremy Scudamore, said the move would bring new jobs and support the firm’s five-year 50 per cent growth target.