Superstore tussle solution sought

The fate of the supermarket bids is to be discussed in Kelso

A public meeting is to be held in a small town where two supermarket giants are locked in a development battle.

Both Sainsbury's and Tesco have targeted Kelso in the Scottish Borders as a potential store site.

However, it appears that a planning stalemate involving the two companies could delay proposals for the town by several months.

The situation is due to be the subject of public debate in Kelso's Tait Hall on Monday evening.

There have been a string of twists and turns to the planning process in the Borders town.

Initially, there were three competing sites for a supermarket development in Kelso.

Preferred bidder

Scottish Borders Council came down in favour of the location being backed by Sainsbury's.

However, the council-owned land needed for the development still had to be sold on the open market.

Tesco subsequently emerged as preferred bidder.

The situation has been complicated by the fact that Sainsbury's says it has agreements in place to buy land adjacent to the site.

That could block Tesco's plans and has prompted SBC to suggest it could put the land up for sale again if no solution can be found.

Now local residents are to have their say on how the problem can be resolved.

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