IMMINGHAM traders and residents are divided following news Tesco IS to move into town after the green-light was given to plans to redevelop Kennedy Way.

The news has been described as "the rising of phoenix from the flames" by some, while other have predicted the new supermarket will "kill off small traders".

North East Lincolnshire Council's Planning Committee gave unanimous approval to the scheme, which must now be rubber-stumped by the secretary of state for Communities and Local Government.

As reported, the application, which was submitted by chartered surveyors Dresler Smith, on behalf of leaseholders Wellway Properties Ltd, will include:

A new 4,274sq metre Tesco food store, with the creation of around 270 jobs.

Six new retail units.

Refurbishment of the existing units.

More car parking spaces.

Members of the committee said they were delighted with the scheme.

Cllr Stewart Swinburn (Con) who is also a ward councillor for Immingham, said the scheme was like "the raising of the Phoenix from the flames".

He added: "I'm sure it will enhance the area and help the continued regeneration of Immingham."

However, the news has not been welcomed by existing traders.

Christine Lindley owns Sheen's Florist on Kennedy Way, which is one of the units earmarked for demolition.

She has been offered one of the new units.

She said: "It will be good for Immingham, but it won't be good for me. It will bring more people onto the centre, but once the supermarket comes it will kill off the small traders.

"I have got loyal customers, but I don't know if I will survive."

For more on this story, see today's Grimsby Telegraph.