Asda keen to step in where Tesco left off (From Gazette Series)

Asda keen to step in where Tesco left off

ASDA claim that they are ready to save the project to bring a supermarket to Dursley.

The bottom-slapping supermarket chain, who were beaten off by Tesco when the site was remarketed last year, told the Gazette they were very interested in coming to the town.

Asda spokesman Simon Leonard said: "We have been looking to come to the town for some time.

"We were runners-up in the bidding last time and would very much like the opportunity to come now."

As reported in the Gazette last week, the Co-op sold their Cam store to Tesco because of the increased competition but Asda are more confident of being able to compete with a major rival just two miles away.

Cllr Nigel Studdert-Kennedy (Con, The Stanleys), Stroud District Council cabinet member for regeneration, told the Gazette this week that it was too early to make any firm plans but admitted that the aim was still to bring a supermarket to the town.

"We are still looking to provide an anchor store in Dursley," he said. "Asda have made an approach but we have heard nothing from Tesco since their original message informing us of their purchase of the Cam Co-op." The three landowners - SDC, Gloucestershire County Council and Stroud College - met on Wednesday to assess where the project currently stood. Cllr Studdert-Kennedy had few details to offer from the meeting but said more meetings were planned for the near future and further details should emerge then.

However, he did confirm that SDC was working hard to protect the interests of the youth centre on the proposed development site. Mr Leonard said Asda would keep in contact with SDC in order to try to make a deal.

"We will be speaking to the interested parties and will do everything we can to try and get a new Asda in the town," he said.

Dursley Town Mayor Cllr Jane Ball said Asda's interest would give everyone involved a fresh starting point.

"This is a good thing on the surface," she said. "We will just have to see how it develops."