PLANS for a £350,000 make-over for Congleton's West Heath Shopping Centre are being overshadowed by a store wars spectre.

This week's news that London-based owners Marylebone Warwick Balfour are gearing up for the refurbishment that will revitalise the satellite area of the town has been welcomed by community leaders and traders.

But looming over the proposals is a threat to a key element from supermarket giants Tesco.

The heavyweight wants to build a £5million store off the Clayton Bypass. As a sweetener it is offering to sort out traffic problems at one of the town's worst bottleneck junctions with a £1m road improvement plan.

Planners' approval could jeopardise the commitment of the West Heath Centre's anchor tenant, Somerfield.

"If Tesco gets the go ahead it will have a detrimental effect on Somerfield and ultimately the other small traders," said MWB spokesman, Neil Harris.

"The Tesco application couldn't have come at a worse time. We knew they intended to build a store on Barn Road when we purchased the centre, but believed that the food and non-food offer available at West Heath could compete.

"But since then they have increased the size of the store they propose which will have a significant impact on our tenants, particularly Somerfield.

"They are reviewing their plans for their centre store in the light of the increased Tesco application," he added.

The Tesco plan has been given the thumbs down by the town council but has not yet been earmarked for a borough planning committee decision. It is not on next month's agenda.

Tesco wants to start work on the new store in the New Year and promises 200 new jobs.

MWB already have outline permission to redevelop the West Heath Centre with Somerfield and other retail outlets, but planning officers say they have not yet received a full application.

Despite the store wars fears MWB are pressing ahead. They propose to start work in the next few months after further consultation with the other tenants.

Welcoming the West Heath plans, local councillor Roland Domleo claimed they would revitalise the complex that was very much at the heart of the community.

"The centre is vital for the area, particularly for the growing elderly population. They rely on the post office and chemists. Hopefully Somerfield will renew their commitment as they are on a long lease," he said.

West Heath Butcher Stephen Parry is hoping the council will give the centre its full backing. He believes the authority has not done much to help the traders in the past.

"I hope they seriously consider the impact the Tesco application will have on our livelihoods," he said.

"The refurbishment is just what we and the local community need. The proposal looks fantastic and we are delighted that our new landlords are prepared to invest in us in this way," he added.

THE refurbishment of the centre is expected to take 12-18 weeks with all the shops trading as normal throughout.

The new look will involve a facelift for all the shop units. The existing mall ceiling will be removed to reveal a 'space deck' structure - a lightweight geometric tubular steel roof frame.

Entrances, lighting and signage will be improved and seating areas installed. The former Car Crazy garage will be demolished to provide increased parking.

Efforts are already being made to re-let the four vacant units. In one of these MBW propose to mount a display featuring the proposals. They will be inviting the public to comment on them.

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