Troubled supermarket giant Tesco has today confirmed that it still plans to press ahead with building a new store in Tenbury town centre. The store is not among the list of 49 schemes which have been today shelved by the company. It also announced the closure of 43 unprofitable stores as it copes with allegations of accounting irregularities and a downturn in its business. West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin wrote to chief executive Dave Lewis in August asking for clarity on the company’s plans for the old cattle market site in Tenbury. She also took one of the company’s senior managers on a tour of the town and asked for a briefing on Tesco’s plans for the site. Since then the company has erected hoardings at the site and confirmed that it plans to improve the road surface of the land which is currently being used as a temporary car park by local shoppers. Tesco’s chief executive formally wrote to Harriett today (Thursday January 8) confirming that it still intends to build the new store committing to bringing new jobs and economic growth to the town. Completion of the work will also see the company handover funds to Tenbury Transport Trust as well as much needed funding for river-side flood defences. Harriett commented: "Whatever your views about this development, it is better to have certainty rather than a site with planning blight in such a prominent location in this wonderful town." “Although Tesco is cutting back its store numbers, it remains convinced that the new Tenbury is a part of its strategic plans and fills a gap in the market. “I am grateful that they have written to me confirming that they intend to proceed with the project. “I look forward to hearing more detail on the company’s plans for construction and hope that we will see progress this year.”