THE?town traders' organisation, which helped stop the spread of edge-of-town shopping five years ago, will campaign again to keep the 'uniqueness of Tavistock'.

Tavistock Chamber of Commerce chairman Nigel Eadie said he believed the case for allowing supermarket chains to set up shop on Plymouth Road was even stronger now than it was in 2008 when Sainsbury was refused permission to open a store there.

His comments followed announcements in the last two weeks by Asda and Tesco that they want to open stores on?Plymouth Road, close to the existing Morrisons and Lidl stores. Tesco wants to create a store on the former Focus DIY site.

Mr Eadie said: 'We intend strongly to resist any intention to put a supermarket on the former Focus site or any other site in this area.

'This is supported by hard evidence to suggest that any supermarket in this location would jeopardise the town centre.'

In 2008 the chamber of commerce launched the opposition group 'The Brook Campaign' and employed a consultant to represent it at the Sainsbury's appeal.

The supermarket giant had been refused planning permission by West Devon Borough Council and this decision was upheld by a planning inspector, one of the main reasons being its impact on the vitality of the town.

Mr Eadie said that given the planning inspector's comments following the Sainsbury's appeal, the addition of a Lidl store since 2008, the setting up of Tavistock BID and a retail survey indicating there was not sufficient demand to warrant another supermarket in this area, it strengthened the argument against.

He said:?'All the evidence points to a stronger case for rejection now than five years ago when Sainsbury's was rejected.

'I think people need to have a serious think about whether they want their town to be vibrant and keep its uniqueness and whether they want retailers in the town to succeed.'

One town retailer has called for support in order for town shops to meet the challenge of edge-of-town supermarkets.

Robert Creber, of Creber's delicatessen, which has a 132-year-old history in Tavistock, said it was vital that the town centre was on a level playing field with supermarkets by having free parking and better traffic management so people could get around town easier.

He said:?'I think out-of-town shopping developments are detrimental generally to town centres, however, I do appreciate there is a place for them.

'As a small independent retailer we cannot offer the choice that a supermarket does, but we can offer close personal service, quality, competitive prices and products which are second to none.

'Tavistock has lots of great independent stores; it is not your stereotypical high street, but we all need to up our game a bit to keep people coming here.

'Organisations like BID (Business Improvement District) and the chamber and the local councils all need to work together to make the town even more appealing.'

BID chairman Tony Whitehead said: 'Tavistock BID is currently focused on retaining and developing the vibrancy of the town centre. We are keen that any development does not threaten this but instead provides enhancement and opportunities to businesses in the BID area. Naturally, we are here to represent BID businesses whatever their overall view.'

But businesses on the Tavistock Retail and Industrial Park have welcomed the plans announced last week by Tesco for the former Focus site, which has remained empty for more than 18 months. They claim footfall has fallen dramatically during that time.

Martin Hawkins, of Tavistock Picture Framing Gallery, said there were more than 12 walk-in retailers on the site and they would be thrilled to see the former Focus building used again.

'We see this as a wonderful opportunity for the town, both for businesses on the retail park and in the town centre.' The chamber of commerce should adopt a positive attitude towards it, he said.

The Plymouth Road area could also attract yet another store.

National large scheme development company Mercian Developments told the Times this week it was working up a 'masterplan' for a mixed use scheme for another site in Plymouth Road of 34 acres, which could include a food retailer, but also a pub or restaurant, health provider and residential development.

But a spokesman for the company stressed that the scheme is in its very early stages.