Tesco involved in more scandal

Plans to build a Tesco superstore in the centre of a North-East town took a dramatic twist last night when there were claims a rival supermarket scheme had been "kept secret". The Northern Echo has discovered that earlier this year, Asda presented its ideas to develop almost a quarter of Darlington town centre. But it was ruled out by the borough council - without consulting members or the public. Last night, councillors threatened to refer Darlington Borough Council to the district auditors, who could investigate any alleged financial mismanagement. The council has been negotiating with Tesco since 2003. The supermarket wants to demolish the town hall, build a superstore and 130 flats on the site. In return, it will build and fund a £14m town hall nearby.

How much influence did Tesco have on this decision?