TRADERS in Abingdon have questioned the need for a new supermarket in the town centre, a Chamber of Commerce survey has revealed.

Vale of White Horse District Council leaders has been asking shoppers to choose between two major supermarket schemes.

The first proposal is for a new “medium to large” superstore at The Charter of 4,800 sq m, about 51,000 sq ft.

The second proposal for the £53m town centre redevelopment would cover 6,500 sq m, or almost 70,000 sq ft, about the same size as the Tesco Extra store, off Marcham Road.

The two scenarios were outlined in a report out last month which included plans to revamp the shopping precinct in Bury Street and shoppers have been asked to comment on the proposals.

Following the report, the Chamber of Commerce carried out a survey of 150 businesses, and 99 took part.

Traders were asked: ‘Do you think the town centre needs another supermarket?’ and 91 per cent said no.

Chamber chairman Paul Townsend said: “It’s quite clear from the survey that the vast majority of traders don’t think the town centre needs a new supermarket.

“But we know one of these schemes is going to go ahead and I think the smaller of the two options would be preferable.

“We will be submitting this survey to the council leaders in the near future.”

The council is holding an exhibition on the proposals on Saturday in Unit 33 of the Bury Street precinct from 10am to 3pm.

The consultation closes on September 23.