TROWBRIDGE has been waiting for years for news that the old Tesco and Ushers sites will be re-developed.

Developers Foinavon have already revealed plans to turn the former Ushers brewery side into shops and houses, and now Allied London has unveiled its scheme to build three shops and a gym at the former Tesco.

It has to be good news for the town and any moves to breathe new life into the two crucial sites should be welcomed.

Trowbridge badly needs a stronger shopping centre and it is encouraging that retailers are already showing good interest in taking units in the two new complexes.

Matalan, the clothing chain, has expressed interest in both sites.

Trowbridge has been left behind with surrounding towns, like Chippenham, which have forged ahead with new shopping centres.

The only sad aspect of the Allied London plan is that it finally ends the dream that Trowbridge will again have its own cinema which readers of our newspaper called for in our campaign more than two years ago.

Operators just could not be tempted to the town and following the latest developments, the hopes of many have been shattered.