Traders in South Woodham have joined together to fight for small business in the town.

The South Woodham Alliance of Businesses (SWAB) has been established amidst fears traders could feel the pinch with supermarket giant Asda's impending buy-out of town centre land.

Members voiced their fears at the first meeting held at William de Ferrers School in Trinity Square.

SWAB chairman, Darren Reeves-Chambers, owner of Woodham Aquatic and Pet Supplies in Market Square, said the town's 300 businesses needed to work together.

Many claim to be afraid of losing their tenancies when Essex County Council sells town centre land on to Asda at the end of this month.

Mr Reeves-Chambers said: "Everyone knows Asda but nothing else in the town. If it chooses not to renew the leases it could just pump its own stock and staff into our shops."

ASDA, taken over last year by US giant Wal-Mart, insists it has no intention of keeping other shops in the town. It plans to sell on the land and a representative from the supermarket giant is to be invited to speak to traders.

SWAB plans to hold fortnightly meetings and issue a newsletter to keep members up-to-date.

Members will next meet at the Town Council offices on Feburary 24 at 6.15pm.

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