SHOPKEEPERS say Tesco's move into the Emery Gate centre in Chippenham will give trade in the town a huge boost.

Tesco, which already has two stores in Chippenham, announced last week it was moving into the town centre Somerfield store.

A spokesman for Lone Eagle, the company which owns Emery Gate, said the arrival of Tesco, the UK's largest retailer, is great news for the town centre shopping mall.

He said: "Obviously this is brilliant news for Emery Gate as it can only attract more shoppers and trade into the town centre.

"We have had talks with Tesco and they also seem keen to help improve the general appearance of Emery Gate.

"I do think the Somerfield store as it stands is quite a small space for Tesco and they will want to increase their space in some form or perhaps they will build another larger shop in the town centre.

"Tesco has signed a lease for 15 years so it would have to negotiate with Emery Gate if it wanted to move."

Rumours began circulating last week that the Tesco takeover was part of the retailer's plan to build a huge store on the Bridge Centre site in Chippenham.

Owners of the Somerfield store have special jurisdiction over the Bath Road location and can decide the future of the car park.

The 35-year-old covenant, given to Lone Eagle, prevents another food store opening up in the town centre.

Tesco, which has guaranteed job security for all Somerfield staff, could be in a better position to buy the Bridge Centre site.

Trader Peter Emms, owner of the Emery Gate designer clothes shop of the same name, said: "I am all for Tesco moving into Emery Gate. It will be great for trade and great for Chippenham.

"Tesco is a big attraction and footfall can only increase through Emery Gate. The only problem I can see is the car parking below Emery Gate has been left in a terrible state."

A Tesco spokesman said the Emery Gate store will open in June but could not confirm if the shop will be a superstore or another Tesco Express.

Chippenham Chamber of Commerce president Adrian Whitbread said: "At the moment Tesco is holding most of the cards on the future of Chippenham town centre. "

There are also rumours that a supermarket giant may be interested in the Chippenham Police Station site in Wood Street. Wiltshire Police Authority has announced it is to sell off the land which includes a large parking area at the back. It is also opposite a public car park.