Nuns stand by decision to sell off land to store chain

The plans for the supermarket in Whitby have provoked strong opposition after the Order of the Holy Paraclete agreed a deal to build the store on their land at Sneaton Castle on the outskirts of the port.

A petition launched by a campaign group called Whitby Residents Against Tesco has collected more than 3,200 signatures, and Friends of the Earth has added its support.

But Prioress Sister Dorothy Stella has claimed that the sale of the land would be used to fund community projects, as well as affordable housing.

She said: "Our actions have the genuine interests of the people of Whitby at heart with the focus on those who otherwise may not be able to afford to stay in their town and who need the facilities this scheme would provide.

"These are not necessarily the people who make their voice heard but they deserve consideration.

"Like anyone else we need to manage our assets to provide funds for the running of the priory and to provide suitable facilities and accommodation for the elderly and infirm in our care.

"We also wanted to increase the level of bursaries we are able to offer young people in Whitby."

Three supermarket developments are earmarked for Whitby after Tesco and Sainsbury announced plans for the town, while the Co-operative is hoping to extend its premises in the centre of the port.

Scarborough Borough Council is due to consider all three applications at a special planning meeting within two months.