HUDDERSFIELD’S MP has been told to stop “talking down” the town.

Barry Sheerman is worried about controversial plans for a new Tesco on the site of Huddersfield Sports Centre.

The existing supermarket at Viaduct Street would be flattened, allowing Tesco to use the land for housing, offices, shops and a hotel.

The plans would also see a new sports centre on the site of the Springwood car park.

Mr Sheerman has spoken out against the development, saying it would be an eyesore, cause major traffic problems and hit other town centre traders.

But Kirklees Council leader Clr Robert Light has accused the Labour man of “sticking his oar in”.

The Conservative said: “Instead of getting on board Mr Sheerman seems more determined to talk the town down at every opportunity.

“The sum total of his commitment seems to be to knock any improvements put forward by the council.

“By sticking his oar in he could potentially jeopardise the proposed sports centre and other town centre developments.”

Clr Light believes the Tesco plan would improve the town centre.

He added: “Part of the deal involves the demolition of the existing Tesco, a tired and dated building with complicated access, and using the land it frees up to build new, affordable, town centre housing.

“The existing sports centre – which is drab and plain on the outside and worn out on the inside – will also be demolished.

“The designs of the new buildings will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they will all be better than the ones they are replacing.”

Clr Light said Kirklees’s Cabinet was committed to Huddersfield, even though none of its eight members lives in the town.

He said: “Most Conservative councillors come from North Kirklees or the outlying areas of Huddersfield district. I am from Birkenshaw and my Cabinet is North Kirklees-dominated.

“But we are committed to Huddersfield because it is the largest and most important town in the borough.

“It’s the jewel in the Kirklees crown and I could talk it up all day. So why can’t the town’s MP? What is his problem with the place he purports to represent?”

Clr Light believes Mr Sheerman should not involve himself in the debate about a new Tesco.

He said: “I suggest he keeps his nose out of local affairs and sticks to what he does best; helping to prop up a weak Labour Government, voting through post office closures, meddling with the local NHS, increasing the taxes of those on low incomes and going back on manifesto pledges.

“Let Kirklees get on with turning Huddersfield into a town that is fit for purpose in the 21st century.”