Supermarket giant Tesco has confirmed it is looking into establishing its first-ever store in Haworth.

The business, which earlier this month unveiled plans to build a store in Silsden creating 200 jobs, revealed its intentions for the Worth Valley this week, though it refused to specify which site it is looking at.

Tesco spokesman Mark Thomas said: “We would love to bring a new convenience store to Haworth to serve the local community and we’re reviewing our options in the village.

“Should any application be submitted, residents would rightly be consulted on their views.”

But Andrew Snowden, who owns JR Snowden off-licence and general store in Mill Hey, warned that if a Tesco comes to the village, it would mean the end of his long-established shop.

“It would shut us down – that’s a fact,” he said. “It’s difficult enough as it is now, and with a business as big as Tesco, how could we compete against that? It would really knock us for six – we’d have no chance.”

Tina Dowse, who works in Ibbotsons butchers and greengrocers in Sun Street, said: “I’m curious as to where they would put a Tesco where it would fit in with the village. It would be a concern for any business here – it would affect everybody.”

Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council chairman Councillor John Huxley said: “I’ve heard some rumours Tesco is interested in coming to Haworth, though nothing official.

“A business of that quality would be of interest to us, as we have just one larger convenience store and several smaller shops.

“The western, top end of the village is without a food outlet, and many of the people that live there are elderly.

“Also, we’re a growing community, so I can see how this would make us attractive to a retailer as big as Tesco.

“However, I would also be concerned about the future of our smaller businesses, especially in the Mill Hey area. We have some very well established local businesses here, and these are all valued by the community.”