Tesco, the Regional Development Agency and others will discuss progress on the �40m redevelopment of St Austell.

It is hoped the meeting will accelerate decisions by the RDA and Tesco to secure the town centre and avoid the need for a public inquiry.

If successful, site work may begin in the autumn.

The revamp has been held up by Tesco's objections to the demolition of a multi-storey shop in St Austell.

Restormel District Council has warned that it will force Tesco to sell if it has to.

Tesco, which is facing council objections to plans for an extension to its out-of-town site, has denied claims by the MP that it is holding the town to ransom, and says that it is just putting business first.