CHEPSTOW cobbler Mick Mason fears his long-established business could be killed off by a rival opening in the redeveloped Tesco store.

Mr Mason, of Cobblers Cabin, says the opening of a Timpson branch at Tesco could also spell the end for the other shoe repair and key-cutting business in the town, Achilles Heel.

He took over the business in Rifleman's Way 25 years ago but says he is unlikely to last six months with the supermarket-based branch.

Tesco says there has been a positive response to the new franchise from its customers.

Mr Mason said: "Having Timpson in Tesco will be the end of two businesses in town.

"I don't see how I can survive more than six months against them and I think it will be the same with the other cobblers in town.

"If people are in Tesco they can get keys cut or drop their shoes off while they are doing their shopping.

"There will be no need for them to come into town and to use other businesses. It will strangle our trade.

"There have been two businesses here for many years and we both make a living.

"There are many things this town needs but a shoe repair and key cutting business is not one of them.

"Tesco claims they want to help town centres but this is very little help for the centre of Chepstow."

The Review asked Tesco if it took into account the existing retail mix in a town centre, and the effect on businesses when considering who to let franchises to.

A spokeswoman for Tesco said: "Tesco always aims to provide our customers with the services they tell us they want.

"Feedback from custo­mers on the new Timpson shop opening at our Chepstow store has been very positive."