Tesco-row nuns pull out of meeting with objectors

Families fighting to stop the scheme at High Stakesby in Whitby have now collected more than 3,000 signatures on a protest petition.

Tesco wants to build the superstore on green field land next to the convent which is being sold by a group of Anglican nuns, the Sisters of the Order of the Holy Paraclete, based at Sneaton Castle.

But campaigners claim that the supermarket could drive many of Whitby's shopkeepers out of business.

They also fear it will destroy the character of the town and lead to thundering lorries ruining the peace and snarling up roads.

In the face of the opposition, head of the order Sister Dorothy Stella had agreed to discuss concerns with campaigners today.

But she has now pulled out of the meeting, saying in a letter: "I have come to the conclusion that nothing can be gained by it."

Helen Barker, from the Whitby Residents Against Tesco group, said yesterday: "We arranged to meet with Sister Dorothy to discuss the situation like one good neighbour to another. But we are absolutely stunned that she feels nothing can be gained by talking."

Among those to have signed the petition is the novelist Kate Fenton, who signed on behalf of her late husband, actor Ian Carmichael. They lived in Grosmont, just outside Whitby.

Mrs Barker said: "It is tough enough for Whitby's shopkeepers in the current economic climate, but this Tesco store will decimate our shops and livelihoods. Everyone involved in these Tesco plans will have to live with that on their conscience."

Campaigners have written to Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu asking for him to intervene in the row.

Hundreds of people are expected to turn out for a public meeting in the town later this month. Scarborough Council makes its decision in July.

Sister Dorothy Stella said: "The Sisters are well aware of the views of those who oppose these plans.

"There is a lot of rumour in Whitby and we will ensure that, before the application is heard by the planning committee, the true facts about the scheme and the benefits it will bring to local people are clearly stated."

Tesco says as many as 300 jobs could be created along with more than 90 affordable houses for the elderly and a medical centre.