SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has withdrawn plans for a new store a week after dismissing reports that its interest had waned.

A spokeswoman for Tesco told the Kent Messenger last week that it was still keen to open new branches at Loose Road, Maidstone, and at Staplehurst.

But in the past few days residents have received letters from Maidstone council stating that plans for a store and a 326 space car park in Loose Road had been withdrawn.

The council's planning department also confirmed that connected plans to downsize the Tesco branch at Farleigh Hill, Tovil, were being dropped.

The chain has not ruled out submitting amended proposals in the future. It is understood to be pressing ahead with plans for a store near Staplehurst railway station.