The news that supermarket giant Morrisons has earmarked a site in Carterton is a positive step in the regeneration of the town.

The UK’s fourth largest retailer has bought the Old Market site in Black Bourton Road for a “decent sized” supermarket.

It would create 300 much needed full- and part-time jobs, guaranteeing employment for generations of Carterton families.

With the town set to get an extra 1,000 homes in the next 15 years and the expansion of RAF Brize Norton, to take on closed RAF Lyneham, Carterton needs another major supermarket.

After wrangling over an out-of-town plan by Sainsbury’s, residents will also welcome a town centre store, a move stands to benefit local traders.

Of course, there will be concerns about the impact on smaller businesses. Yet traders must ensure they are placed to compete on price, service and quality.

It might be they cannot beat the buying power of a major brand like Morrisons, but can attract customers with products and services not offered by the supermarket.