Concerns are mounting that a new store on the outskirts of Liskeard could drive trade out of the town centre.

The Cornish Times reported last week how investment was still being made in Liskeard, with plans to build a new Pets at Home store, including a veterinary centre, given the go ahead.

This week Liskeard Chamber of Commerce and a pet shop in the centre of the town have expressed concerns over the announcement.

'It is never good news when extra competition arrives in town,' said owner of Tremar Tropicals, Arthur Cragg.

'It could have an adverse effect, not just on us, but vet services, other shops and the town centre.'

Work is to start in the next few months after plans were recently approved by Caradon District Council.

'The town centre businesses, independent or not, could suffer by these developments outside of the centre, they could drive business out of the town because it is a different shopping experience,' said Patti Stoyan-Donovan from Liskeard Chamber of Commerce.

The new shop, expected to be complete by the end of the year, is to be built on the bubble site and should create between seven and ten new jobs in the area.

'Although it is creating jobs there, that number of jobs could be lost in the town centre,' said Mr Cragg, who owns the shop with his wife Kim.

'We have been here for 30 years, paying top rates in the town centre, but we could be here for only 30 more months if things continue.

'Liskeard isn't the biggest of places and we already have two pet shops, which is quite adequate and there are already big supermarkets taking a bite out of potential trade.

'We don't have the benefits of free car parking and when a big store comes on the outskirts of a small town centre it could have a bad effect.'

The planning application has been supported by Liskeard Town Council and was approved quickly by the district council.

Mark Andrews, assistant head of development control at Caradon District Council, said: 'The new development will provide a wider choice for Liskeard residents and people in the surrounding areas.

'There are always concerns when new developments open outside of the town centre but it is all about making a balanced judgement in relation to the extra services it will offer.'

Ms Stoyan-Donovan added: 'It is difficult to measure with one thing on top of the other and with the economic downturn, but sometimes there isn't enough business to go around and someone will suffer – and it is likely to be those smaller shops.'