IPSWICH'S business community is today making a stand against a proposal for a giant Tesco store in the town.

Naomi Cassidy

IPSWICH'S business community is today making a stand against a proposal for a giant Tesco store in the town.

In a bold and uncharacteristic move Ipswich Central is for the first time speaking out about the multi-million pound bid in Grafton Way because its stakeholders feel so strongly about it.

But Tesco has today fought back and is also having its say in the debate, promising that the scheme will regenerate Ipswich and provide much needed employment for local people.

The plans by Spenhill Regeneration to build a Tesco superstore - larger than the one in Copdock - residential units, two hotels and more than 600 parking spaces, have been met with controversy and sparked a range of views from all sections of the community.

Ipswich Central claims the majority of businesses they represent think the development would cripple trade in the town centre, whereas Tesco say it is in their own interests to preserve the vitality of Ipswich.

- Buy tonight's Evening Star for the full two-page debate or see later web editions for updates.