FOREST MP Mark Harper is challenging the Co-op over Asda as campaigners spent a second weekend holding a protest march.

The group 'We want Asda in Cinderford' continued their plea for a new store in the town which the Co-op has tried to block twice.

Mr Harper is writing to the chief executive of Midcounties Co-op, asking for an explanation as to why the Co-op is again seeking to block Asda coming to Cinderford.

Mark Harper MP said: "I am writing to the chief executive of Midcounties Co-op on behalf of a number of my constituents who have contacted me about the ongoing delay of the Asda Cinderford development. I have asked the chief executive to explain why the Co-op has felt the need to block and obstruct every effort to get this much-needed new supermarket for the people of Cinderford and the wider Forest area.

"With regards to Asda locating in Cinderford, I am, and have always been, supportive of my constituents getting more choice over where they are able to shop, not only to provide more choice to shoppers and keep prices down, but to also provide more local jobs."

A spokesperson for the Midcounties Co-op said that they couldn't update the Review on Mr Harper's challenge but remained opposed to the proposals.