That is the view of Oakham's chamber of trade, which is adopting an open-minded approach to Tesco's bid to expand the South Street store and create 100 new jobs.

Its chairman Caroline Hodges has cast her gaze over the plans and believes there are two sides to the coin.

She considers the promise to provide up to 100 part-time and full-time jobs as a potential shot in the arm for those out of work.

"I don't think Rutland is suffering as much as other places with the credit crunch but it would be good news if jobs could be provided - particularly for younger people looking for jobs," she added.
But Mrs Hodges stated her belief that it was vital the development did not squeeze out smaller scale traders.

She said: "We don't want one place taking over the entire town but I believe the smaller businesses can give Tesco a run for its money."

Mrs Hodges said her business group had also received worries the expansion might force out residents living nearby if traffic and noise disruption was cranked up.

"On the one hand there's a concern that the development will be coming up to people's back doors but I'm not sure whether it will make a difference with the noise from the trains on the other side," she added.
With the likes of Wilkinson and Co-op vying for customers alongside Tesco, Mrs Hodges said the chamber of trade would watch how things unfold with interest.

She added: "Big businesses have been chipping away at each other for some time and it will be interesting to see what happens."

Rutland County Council and Oakham Town Council's members are remaining tight lipped on their views until a planning application has been submitted, after which a formal meeting will discuss the plans.

Penn Street resident Alastair Speers is one of a number of residents near Tesco to voice opposition.

Chief among his concerns are traffic congestion, noise disruption and loss of character to the area,
He added: "I suppose the positive arguments for the town are increased competition which will drive down prices of goods and arguably increased employment.

"I do however feel the increased competition will ultimately drive out existing independently owned high street shops which will lead to unemployment as opposed to employment."

Oliver Simper, of Brooke Road, also near to the supermarket, has weighed in with his opposition.
He said: "How will the enlarge stores affect smaller scale retailers in the town, who give this market town it's character?"

Tesco meanwhile has pledged to take into account public feedback before submitting a planning application to the county council.