THE new Tesco store planned for Stourport has been defended amid ongoing concerns it could “rip the heart” out of the town.

At the Wyre Forest District Council question time event, at Kidderminster Town Hall earlier this month, Derek Fradgley, chairman of Stourport Town Centre Forum, told the panel: “Stourport has a heart and I’m worried Tesco could rip the heart out of it.”

Panel member, Conservative councillor John Campion, leader of the district council, replied: “Tesco will not kill Stourport. People from outside of Stourport will go to it and it will keep people spending money within the town.”

Tony Bray, director of the department for business, innovation and skills in the West Midlands, also on the panel, said: “Supermarkets like Tesco are actually very good at marketing themselves and the towns they are in. They can help Stourport do that.”

Meanwhile, the supermarket announced an access road for the new store and a new road and bridge over the River Stour were close to completion, but could not provide a date for the opening of the store.

Bosses had previously said the controversial 45,000 sq ft supermarket, going up on the former Carpets of Worth site off Severn Road, was due to be finished this year but declined to comment on reports it would not be ready until 2013.

Jonathan Simpson, corporate affairs manager for Tesco in the Midlands, said although the company was still working out its schedule, it hoped to be on site as soon as possible to build the store.

He added: “It is still unknown when then new store will be open.”

Work on the site started in November.

Mr Simpson added: “We remain committed to building our new superstore in Stourport and are pleased with the progress we have made.

“The 200 jobs and substantial investment in the town has been welcomed by many local people.”