A PUBLIC meeting to discuss plans by Tesco bosses to partly demolish the Shredded Wheat factory and rebuild a superstore, housing, pool and park will take place on Monday.

Organised by apolitical community watchdog the WGC Society and chaired by WHT editor Terry Mitchinson, it will be the first time residents’ voices will be heard on the issue.

The society had maintained a neutral stance on the plans for Broadwater Road West until now as it was waiting for firm plans to be submitted to Welwyn Hatfield Council.

The society is now against the plans.

Society chairman John Marks said: “Committee members are unanimous, as these plans currently stand, they will cause serious damage to the existing town centre and we do not see anything in them in common with the ethos or heritage of the town.”

He added: “Unless ordinary residents express their own views on this subject to both council and ward councillors, there will be little pressure to resist Tesco’s proposals.

“In short, the existing town centre is under serious threat and we take the view that only pressure from residents will save it. It is in our hands.”

The meeting takes place on Monday from 8pm at the council chamber, Campus West, WGC and is open to all.

Tesco representatives have also been invited.