DESPITE many towns campaigning against the prolific advance of Tesco, community leaders in one resort are welcoming the supermarket giant.

Plans for Tesco stores in Mersea Road, Colchester, Walton Road, Frinton, and Station Road, Manningtree, have sparked opposition from residents and traders.

However, the Walton Forum has welcomed proposals for a Tesco Express at the former Woolworths site in the town’s High Street.

Permission is not needed for the store to open, but plans have been submitted for three air conditioning units on the shop’s roof, a new shopfront, six security bollards and a cash machine.

John Halls, of the Walton Forum, said the closure of Woolworths, on December 30, was a major loss to the High Street. He feared the shop, which was the only national chain store in the town, would be turned into a block of flats.

He said: “Tesco is going to be a good thing for the town.

“It is going to bring employment to Walton, although I hope it does not cause too many problems for other shops.

“It’s great the empty Woolworths has been filled already. I wouldn’t want the town to go through another winter with an empty shop that could be a target for vandals.”

Tesco spokeswoman Carol Leslie said it is thought the new store would create between 25 and 30 full-time and part-time jobs.

She said: “We recognise investment is very difficult to find in this current climate, so we are pleased to have the opportunity to continue with a retail presence at this site, create new jobs and become part of the local community. Our experience is many shops welcome the additional customers a new Express store can bring.” She said it’s hoped the store would open by the end of October.

Jamie Nicoll, chairman of Frinton and Walton Chamber of Commerce, said he was concerned for existing businesses, and also on the impact the store will have on parking on the High Street.

Tendring Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by September 24.