Supermarket giant Tesco is set to open a second store in Royston, creating 20 new jobs.

A Tesco Express store is to open in Market Hill, Royston, after the firm was revealed as the tenant for the controversial new convenience store which is being constructed on the site of the old cattle market.

Tesco has put in a raft of planning applications for the site, including store frontage, six bollards to be placed at the front of the premises, and for an ATM cash machine to be installed.

These will be considered by Royston Town Council’s planning committee when it meets on Monday, before going on to North Herts District Council, which has the final say.

A spokesman for Tesco said: “We are really excited about the chance to serve the local community. We think our proposed store would be popular with customers as it would offer a wide range of products in a convenient location and create around 20 jobs for local people.”

The supermarket chain already has a large Tesco Extra shop on the outskirts of Royston.

The spokesman added that he was unable to give an opening date for the new store, until the planning process had been completed.

The construction of the store has been a long process. Permission was initially turned down twice by the district council’s planning committee, but the developers, The Manhattan Corporation, won an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

Campaigner Clive Porter fought the construction of the shop and believes the arrival of Tesco will damage other shops.

He said: “Naturally it’s not going to do the town centre any good. I fear it will take a big chunk of trade away from smaller, independent shops. We need variety, not another Tesco.

“I also think parking is going to be a big problem.”

What do you think? Do you welcome the arrival of another Tesco store in Royston? Email postbag@royston-crow.co.uk