Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood has urged council leaders to listen to traders’ concerns as the town prepares for a £53m shopping centre revamp.

Shopkeepers fear the redevelopment of the Abbey Shopping Centre and The Charter area could change Abingdon’s character and cause independent businesses to suffer.

The precinct is expected to be refurbished at a cost of £3m next year with smaller shops making way for two large units.

A £50m complete redevelopment of The Charter area in 2013 will create a large supermarket, more shops, and a car park with about 400 spaces. The Malthouse Surgery and Abingdon Library would be relocated.

Abingdon Chamber of Commerce ran a survey of 99 town traders; 91 per cent said they did not want a supermarket in The Charter. Some 68 per cent said it would affect their trade but 50 per cent said it could increase footfall.

Miss Blackwood, the Oxford West and Abingdon MP, met traders last Friday to discuss the redevelopment and said she took their concerns “very seriously”.

She added: “We need to be taking action to attract shoppers to our town centre, support Abingdon’s businesses and boost the local economy.

“I believe the regeneration of The Charter is a very positive step towards that goal. However I want to see regeneration that preserves and protects the history and heritage of our market town.”

The Conservative MP said she would meet leaders of Vale of White Horse District Council and Abingdon Town Council to discuss Tesco’s plan for another store in Oxford Road, and traders’ worries about the redevelopment.

She added: “While it is my understanding the council is unable to prevent specific businesses moving in, I know that the council is keen to make sure this major development is right for Abingdon, and I will do whatever I can to ensure the consultation takes account of the views of local businesses and residents.”

Chamber of commerce president Paul Townsend said the town needed big name stores to bring people in – but not too many. He added: “If it was all big High Street names that would be the biggest mistake as Abingdon would lose its individuality. This is a fantastic opportunity, they just have to get it right.”

District council leader Matthew Barber said: “What we need is a balance of national chains and local independent retailers. But we need a big change to draw people in.”

The district council consultation on the draft plan for the area closes on September 23.