Tesco has denied being responsible for rising rents since the supermarket giant received the green light to build a store on the old Battle Hospital site. But local traders are claiming Tesco is forcing them out of business leading to a loss of local facilities.

Tesco spokesman David Niberg reiterated that locals would not see any changes over the coming months. He said: "I don't think locals need worry about the closure of filthy shops with zero star hygiene ratings and a history of selling alcohol to underage drinkers, because they are going to get a brand spanking new multi-national monopoly with zero star hygiene ratings and a history of selling alcohol to underage drinkers. Rest assured once our new superstore is open on the Battle Hospital site, it'll be business as usual in Oxford Road! Now, which one of you kids wants a 3 litre bottle of White Lightning?"