WADEBRIDGE'S ongoing store war has escalated with news that Tesco is to expand its premises.

Over the past few months rivals Morrison's and Sainsbury's have both revealed plans to open stores in the town to compete with Tesco, which launched in 2000.

If both get permission it will result in Wadebridge having five supermarkets for a population of 6,351.

This week Tesco announced that it had been granted planning permission to expand its warehouse to house a new Tesco Direct desk in-store.

Furnishings

It will mean that people can order items such as electricals, toys and home furnishings and collect them from the Wadebridge branch.

The single-storey extension and vehicle loading area will be built on the small parking area to the left of the store, losing 26 spaces.

A company spokeswoman said: "Customers will be able to order products from the Tesco Direct catalogue, either online, by phone or at a new desk.

"Many of the products that customers order will be available to collect from the Wadebridge store.

"Currently the nearest Tesco Direct desk is at Tesco Extra in Pool, so this new desk will save many customers either a long journey or a delivery charge."

Dates for the start of the building work have not yet been confirmed.

But the news has not been met well by the town's chamber of commerce.

It says it is mindful that supermarkets have an impact on the town, and has already had discussions with Sainsbury's and Morrison's about trying to restrict certain sale items.

Chairman Darren Rowe is disappointed that the chamber was not previously consulted about the Tesco plans.

"It is a good thing that a supermarket feels it can expand in this current economic climate, but we have to consider the impact this can have on the business if we want it to prosper long term.

Forthcoming

"To date the other two supermarkets looking to come to Wadebridge have been very forthcoming in telling us what they are hoping to do, by holding exhibitions and meeting the chamber.

"This Tesco application seems to have gone under the radar, and in the two years I have been a member of the chamber I have not heard it mentioned at all.

"Tesco Direct will be selling products that will directly affect the independent businesses already operating in the town, and I am led to believe will operate as a collection point for their online business.

"The chamber would welcome more information from Tesco about what it plans to do."

Lovewadebridge.com campaign group has already handed in a 3,000-signature petition to try to prevent Cornwall Council selling Higher Trenant to Sainsbury's.

Spokesman Stephen Frankel said: "If we could have all these out-of-town developments without risking what gives the town its life, there would be no need to fuss.

"We could even invite a few more superstores than those already queuing up to join the party.

"But at some point expanded out-of-town retail development will knock the heart out of the town centre.

"This development makes it all the more important to resist retail developments on other out-of-town sites."