Campaigners against Oswestry’s new supermarket today claimed a report from a leading independent think-tank proves that another huge store could make the town more vulnerable in the economic recession.

The report, which was carried out by the New Economic Foundation, warned towns most dependent on big chains and out of town stores “have proven to be most vulnerable to the economic crisis”.

It added: “The Government’s ‘Big Society’ idea cannot be built on these fractured local economies, represented so clearly by the empty shop fronts along our high streets.”

Campaigners in Oswestry have been battling four rival plans to build a multi-million pound supermarket in the town. They fear the store will kill off smaller independent traders.

Saffron Rainey, chairman of the Oswestry Civic Society and a member of campaign group Oswestry 21, said the new report backed up those fears.

Mr Rainey, a town councillor, said: “The evidence suggests that towns that are reliant on big chains are more vulnerable because if that big employer or store should leave, the community can go into a quick spiral.

“In Oswestry many of the vacant shops were occupied by multiples. I am talking about Adams, Freshers, Choices and Motorworld.

“The small independent traders are so important to Oswestry.”

The foundation’s report suggested action points to fend off the threat of huge supermarkets monopolising local economies.

They include shoppers seeking out independent traders and locally sourced products and using key vacant shops to help develop local economies.

Mr Rainey said Oswestry was already doing that through its recent Traders Day, which showcased the best independent traders and the Footfall campaign which breathes new life into empty shops.

He said: “There is a lot of positivity around Oswestry despite the economic downturn. There are lots of good things going on in the town, particularly at the farmers’ market, which now has more than 20 stallholders on a regular basis.”

Shropshire Council has already turned down one of the supermarket bids but the applicant, J Ross Developments, has appealed.

The appeal could be held this year although the scheme, and the rival bids, could also be called in by the Government and determined by a planning inspector.

By Iain St John