Bridgnorth could be facing a new version of “store wars” following M&S’s decision to move into the town right next door to Somerfield.

It comes as Tesco today also confirmed it is to open a new Express store just yards away from the pair in Low Town, creating up to 30 new jobs.

The retailer had been embroiled with a long running battle with Sainsbury’s to build a second supermarket in the town which was dubbed “store wars”.

After losing that it could now be caught up in a new fight for customers, up against both Somerfield and M&S. Tesco is taking over the Esso Hermitage Service Station, in Cann Hall Road.

It will demolish the existing garage and build a new forecourt, car wash and shop, including seven parking spaces and two cashpoints.

Bosses at the retail giant today played down the competition of its move, claiming it was aiming at a different market to M&S and Somerfield.

Juliette Bishop, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said: “We hope to be able to open the Express store by early spring next year, creating 20 to 30 new permanent jobs for the local area.”

Bridgnorth Against a Second Supermarket, BASS, which fought a long campaign against another supermarket being built next to Sainsbury’s , today said it was not concerned about the two new stores.

Michael Berthoud, from BASS, said: “Our campaign was always to preserve car parking spaces for the town. Stores moving into existing premises should not really affect this.”

M&S announced yesterday that it will move into the building currently occupied by DIY store Handyman House in St John’s Street, which will shut next year.