TESCO says it is keen to talk to a pressure group objecting to the company’s plans for a new supermarket in Huddersfield.

Town First – a group representing traders, residents and community groups – has written to Kirklees Council opposing plans for the new store at Southgate on the grounds that it would have a detrimental effect on the town centre and its businesses.

The objectors, led by chairman and town centre retailer Tony Coletta, have called for consultations on the Tesco plan, which involves demolishing Huddersfield sports centre, the Ibbotson and Lonsborough flats, a computer centre and a car park.

Under the proposed scheme, the current Tesco site at Viaduct Street would be levelled, allowing the firm to use the land for housing, offices, shops and a hotel. A new sports centre would be built on the site of Springwood car park.

A spokesman for Tesco said: “We are happy to talk to anyone about our proposals – we always have been.

“We are aware of the Town First group and we have offered to meet them to discuss the group’s concerns.

“One of the matters we are discussing with Kirklees Council is how to provide a link to the town centre so that people who come to Tesco can have the opportunity to go into the town centre.”