DIDCOT traders fear their shops will be flattened to make way for the second phase of the Orchard shopping centre.

Firms between High Street and the Hitchcock Way roundabout are calling on South Oxfordshire District Council to make clear if their land will be bought using compulsory purchase laws.

Developer Hammerson last week unveiled plans for a £125m, 200,000sq ft extension to the centre, due to open in 2014.

The council said it would use compulsory purchase orders to acquire the land needed if necessary.

It gave no more details, but said traders would be consulted.

John Ward, who runs Broadway Pet Centre, said: “We invested £100,000 to set up business here eight years ago.

“We believe the plan will mean we have to close, but we haven’t been told anything official and would like to be kept informed by the council.

“It’s possible that the land our shop is on could be needed.”

He added: “Broadway has always been the town’s High Street but I believe this will kill it off.”

Colin Harrison, whose family has run Didcot Electrical Wholesalers in Broadway since 1961, said: “We would like to see detailed plans from the council as soon as possible. If we’re forced to move, then I think we should be provided with an alternative location.

“Now that the council has announced phase two, it needs to send someone round to talk to each individual trader whose business will be affected.”

Mayor John Flood said: “Lower Broadway is living on borrowed time in its present form, but I do think the plans for the new centre should incorporate small units for the existing specialist shops to move into.”

Council chief executive David Buckle said last week: “If we have to take the compulsory purchase order route we will, but we hope businesses will strike a deal.”

Strategic director Anna Robinson said: “The council and Hammerson are working together to bring forward detailed plans for the town centre.

“It’s early days, but Hammerson will be in contact with all current occupiers and owners of the site and we will make sure that they and the wider community are kept informed.”

Chamber of Commerce chairman Mike Foster said he would take traders’ concerns to the council.

He added: “The chamber is delighted that phase two is happening but the Orchard Centre and the council have to be prepared to work more closely with other businesses.”

An application for planning permission for the extension is expected by the end of the year.