Tesco to open new store in city

Tesco has announced plans for a 15th store in Cambridge, two months after opening a controversial site less than a mile (1.6km) away.

No date has yet been set for converting the former Dreams bed shop in East Road into an Express store.

The supermarket chain's shop in Mill Road provoked a campaign by residents and independent traders.

More than 5,000 people signed a petition against it but permission was granted and the store opened in August.

'Disastrous impact'

Helen Rimmer from Tescopoly, a campaign group against the dominance of Tesco, said: "This is another sign of [Tesco's] relentless expansion and the inability of local councils to control it.

"When Tesco opens a new store it has a disastrous impact on local shops.

"The government must introduce tougher planning rules to support local traders and give communities a real choice of where to shop."

A Tesco spokesperson said the new store would benefit the area by encouraging people to shop locally and cut down on car journeys.

Up to 30 new jobs will be created.