WORK on the last phase of the £15m scheme to redevelop Penistone town centre is underway.

Demolition teams began tearing down parts of the markets area last month in preparation for construction of a brand new complex.

The scheme centres on a new 25,000 sq ft Tesco and also includes new fire and ambulance stations, a market, council offices and a bowling green.

Work on the scheme finally began in February last year – almost two-years late, after the project was beset with legal challenges.

A spokesman for Tesco, told the Express & Chronicle they now hoped to complete the building by the autumn.

And the spokesman also said that the new store was not a massive development – as previously reported. He said it was “smaller than average”.

Organisers of the famous Penistone Show, one of the country’s oldest agricultural events, said they were a bit concerned that the peak of the building project would clash with their preparations for this September’s event.

The redevelopment work does not include any of the traditional show site, but show spokeswoman, Liz Walker, said: “We’re worried that they are going to use part of our field as a dump for spoil.

“The estimated date for completion is August 24 and our show is on Saturday September 11.

“We just hope Tesco realise what sort of disruption there is in show week,” said Liz.

“An additional worry is that there is a new plan for the markets area, put forward by the Tory councillors, for a lovely oak-framed medieval style open-sided cover.

“It looks fabulous on the plans, but would cost an extra £200,000 – which nobody seems to have.

“We have no idea how or when that would get built, but it could hold everything up?” she added.

Penistone Show is still looking for an organised, computer-literate volunteer to act as its general secretary. The position is voluntary, but “generous expenses” are paid.

Anyone interested in the position should call the treasurer, Martin Oliver, on 07860 923482 or email on Martin.Oliver@wavin.co.uk