A CAMPAIGN group against the creation of a new Tesco store in Ilkley has hit back at the chain's attempts to alleviate concerns about the development.

Tesco recently issued the first in a series of bulletins, answering questions and concerns raised by people in consultation sessions during the summer.

The firm aimed to provide more answers for local people who have reservations about plans for the new Railway Road supermarket, as well as reassure outright opponents.

But Ilkley Residents Against Tesco Encroachment (IRATE) says the bulletin has done little to dissuade its members from opposing the move from the existing store on Springs Lane to a bigger supermarket. The group says there is still no hard evidence that a larger store is needed.

A statement from the group said: "IRATE rejects the view that a visit to a large Tesco supermarket should be part of the Ilkley experience'. However it is encouraged to note that the Tesco statement appears to acknowledge the strength of feeling in the town against the supermarket's current expansion plans, demonstrated not least in the 3,000-plus signatures to the petition.

"In addition, there is nothing in the statement which raises the prospect that any substantive revision of those plans will take place as a result of this widespread opposition, nor is there any information about what further consultation processes will be undertaken.

"IRATE will continue to provide opportunities for the people of Ilkley to express their concerns and is working with business and residential groups to raise awareness of the issues."

Tesco is proposing to build the larger new supermarket, featuring an expanded product range and providing many more jobs, on the soon-to-be vacated Spooners factory site. No planning application has yet been submitted to Bradford Council.

The biggest concerns from opponents have been over traffic and the impact on smaller local businesses.