The flak continues to fly around Cupar following the news Tesco is shelving plans to redevelop its superstore in the town.
Tesco chief executive officer Dave Lewis said last week it was “with a heavy heart” he confirmed the expansion of the existing South Road store would not go ahead.
Plans for a new-build store on Cowdenbeath High Street have also been dumped.
Tesco wants to sell off its land-banked expansion site, next to the existing Cupar store, for housing.
Liberal Democrat Cupar councillor Margaret Kennedy said: “Whilst I recognise their business protection, I believe that Tesco could have come to a decision long before now.
“They have been extremely disrespectful to both the community and those they employ. I very much hope that there can be a speedy solution to the old Reekie’s site now that a final decision has been made.”
North east Fife SNP MSP Roderick Campbell said: “It is disappointing that Tesco, following years of uncertainty, have only now decided to do what they could have done a long time ago and sell the land.
“That they will no longer provide any additional investment or create any new jobs in Cupar is disappointing, to say the least. Tesco’s prevarication over the last seven years, and broken promises, has been well observed in the community.
“As recently as November last year, they were still promising to deliver a larger store in the town. I hope that the land will now, at least, be sold for development.
“It would clearly be in everybody’s best interests for the land to be disposed of as quickly as possible and be put to a good use, to boost the town.
“Given Tesco’s overall trading position nationally, however, I will be seeking confirmation that no jobs will be lost at the store.
“The staff at the store have also had to endure the same broken promises from Tesco, and uncertainty about the future.
“They deserve to be assured that there will be no job losses at the Cupar store in the near future.”
North East Fife Liberal Democrat MP Sir Menzies Campbell said: “It’s a considerable disappointment that Tesco is unable to proceed with its originally-planned extension to its Cupar store.
“But the financial difficulties which the company is experiencing, together with increased competition in Cupar, made a review of the store inevitable.
“I shall be talking to the managing director about the future of their store and whether we can look forward to an upgrading of the present premises.”
Last week, as Tesco confirmed it will also close 43 unprofitable stores across the UK, Cupar independent councillor Bryan Poole asked for a “categoric assurance” that the existing Cupar store is not one of those stores “up for closure”.
Giving an update after his talks with Tesco’s corporate affairs manager, Richard Holligan, Mr Poole said: “It would be fair to say that although broad hints were made that the Cupar store was not under threat of closure, the Tesco spokesperson was unable to give a categoric assurance about the future of the Cupar store.
“I asked when employees of those stores under threat of closure would be informed and was told ‘two to three weeks’.
“I told the spokesperson that I found that less than satisfactory and people and my concern is primarily with the Cupar store employees at this stage should have their minds put at rest as quickly as possible and certainly much quicker than two or three weeks.”