HOLMFIRTH one, Tesco nil.

Those were the words of Holmfirth greengrocer Andrew Bray after the supermarket giant dramatically shelved plans to build a store in the town.

The withdrawal will be seen as a victory for the dozens of Holmfirth residents and traders who rallied against the plan.

But Tesco last night hinted that another application could be made.

Margaret Dale, spokeswoman for the protest group Keep Holmfirth Special, said they were over the moon that Tesco had backed down.

She said: "Obviously we’re delighted, particularly with the huge number of people who have taken the time and trouble to write to the council and express their objections.

"It really goes to show that people’s views count. We’re very very pleased but we’re still aware that Holmfirth needs investment.

"The fight is to keep Holmfirth special, we want to maintain our town as a vibrant thriving community.

"We’re not giving up and we’re not going away.

"If Tesco re-submit we will still be able to mobilise our supporters again – we can’t rest on our laurels."

Tesco spokeswoman Jennifer Duncan confirmed they had withdrawn for the time being but said they remained committed to an investment in the town.

She said: "We have made good progress in our discussions with Kirklees Council, but feel more time is needed to address some of the details of our plans.

"This will enable us to continue dialogue with officers as we work towards resubmission."

Tesco’s proposals to build a 2,342sq metre store with petrol station at the former Midlothian Garage site on New Mill first surfaced in November last year.

But the plans proved deeply unpopular despite claims it would create more than 350 jobs.

In all, Kirklees Council received almost 1,200 letters of objection, one of the highest totals ever.

At a Holme Valley Parish Council public meeting last month more than 100 local people turned up to voice their views on the plan.

At the meeting Ms Duncan was booed and heckled while 26 Valley residents made impassioned speeches appealing for parish councillors to turn the plan down.

Only three spoke up for the company.

Andrew Bray, one of the most outspoken anti-Tesco campaigners, said he had put a sign in his shop window to celebrate the news.

He said: "It was totally ridiculous the size of this proposal.

"I’m sure a lot of people will be relieved, it would have been absolutely devastating to the village and for rural life.

"I think we have put up a good case but it won’t be the end of the battle I’m sure. It took them nine years to get permission for the store at Penistone.

"There’s a place for supermarkets round towns but rural locations like Holmfirth should be left alone to keep a rural life."

MP for the region, Kali Mountford, said the withdrawal was "marvellous news".

She said: "I’m particularly pleased for the people who campaigned so hard and worked to persuade Tesco it was the wrong place to develop.

"I’m pleased that local people won’t be left with just the choice of Tesco as it would have sucked the life out of the town."