“Tesco” is the word that’s dominated conversations this week from Sand to Sandford and Churchill to Cheddar.

Following the extraordinary meeting in Cheddar last week when residents heard about the possibility of the supermarket developing the site of the village football pitch, the area has been abuzz with the prospect of the development.

The Gazette has been inundated with letters, calls and emails on the subject with opinions divided. Some are in favour of the area having a new supermarket and the club finally moving to facilities more in keeping with its status. Others are vehemently opposed.

The parish council has acknowledged public pressure for a debate on the issue and are facilitating an open parish meeting in the village. The chairman Lyn Goodfellow stressed the council cannot take sides as they were part of the planning process and could only facilitate the discussion.

However at the time of going to press the council had not been able to confirm a date as Tesco feel it is premature to speak as contracts were yet to be signed. This was despite their apparent willingness to talk at the last council meeting which has caused something of a mystery over their change of heart.

There has been speculation amongst residents that Tesco’s unwillingness to take part in what could be a lively debate is nothing to do with signing contracts but more to do with their desire to control the news agenda over the proposed development – locking the general public out of the decision-making process.

At that meeting held in the parish rooms there was standing room only as residents, public relations officials, members of the football club and the delegation from Tesco lined up to speak.

If a date cannot be agreed with the retail giant then the parish council will still facilitate a public meeting so the residents and interested parties can have their say, said Mrs Goodfellow.

It’s the ramifications of the football club’s relocation which has most concerned everyone. The Cheddar Traders Association are particularly worried as many Tesco developments feature petrol stations, pharmacies, bakers, butchers, newsagents, cafes and free parking.

Budgens supermarket is currently redeveloping its site with a pharmacy, butcher and Subway cafe and take-out. Owner Phil Tout has already expressed his fears about Tesco.

Concerns expressed by readers centre on the potential increase in traffic with the fear of more lorries driving through the village and whether there’s a need for another supermarket.

Others feel a new store and enhanced sporting facilities is just what is needed in the area and in effect will be as one caller said: “dragging Cheddar kicking and screaming into the 21st century.”

One elderly resident called the Gazette to say: “We do not need another Tesco; there are plenty of food stores in Cheddar now.”

Another caller, Candice Barrett of Cheddar said: “I feel that Cheddar already has enough food stores. We already have a Tesco Express right in the centre of the village, if we have another supermarket Budgens will suffer and they have just revamped it. Tesco is just trying to take over everything; everywhere I turn I see some kind of Tesco.”

However a more positive view of the possible change to the village’s retail sector are held by members of the football club. Three leading members of the club have spoken at length about their hopes and aspirations for the future of the Cheesemen (the team’s nickname) and how the relocation could benefit the community.

Turn to page 8 for an in depth interview by the Gazette’s Merv Colenutt with key figures at the club. More letters on the subject on page 28.

If you have strong views about Tesco and the football club’s relocation then send your emails to editor@midsomnews.co.uk, or call the Gazette on 01749 832337.