STOURBRIDGE is to get a Tesco store within 12 months as the supermarket giant makes a move into the town centre.

Following council rejection of controversial plans for a massive shop on the Angel Triangle Tesco moved quickly to acquire the old Morrisons premises in the Crown Centre.

They have now announced plans to redevelop the site, giving them a foothold in an area earmarked for a £20m makeover.

A Tesco spokesman said: "This is exactly what people have asked for, we got the lease in December and our plans are already quite advanced.

"It is good news for the town, it should be positive for traders, we were asked to look at the Crown Centre and have responded positively."

Bosses would not be drawn on the budget for the new store but say their investment will be substantial and bring around 100 new jobs to Stourbridge.

Despite the new development, Tesco is pressing ahead with an appeal against Dudley's decision to reject their larger scheme, arguing the Angel Triangle, next to the Ring Road, would be a good location.

The announcement will add to frustration at Sainsburys who had been eyeing the site for themselves.

After losing out in the race for Morrisons, Sainsburys announced they would be re-evaluating their position, although they insisted they were keen to open a store in the town.

Meanwhile, Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho is demanding action on redevelopment of the Crown Centre from Dudley councillors.

Lynda said: "Local people want to know the council is focused on this issue and prioritising it.

"We are fed up with always coming down the list of priorities for town centre development in Dudley."

The Labour MP has written to council leaders calling for more information to be made public, rather than what she calls a trickle of comments made in response to local press items.'