PLANS for a new supermarket in Barbourne, Worcester, have been officially submitted much to the dismay of local traders.

The new Sainsbury's Local proposed for the old Intoto furniture store, in Barbourne Road, would see an extensive refurbishment and 12-space car park be built, as well as about 20 full and part time jobs created.

However, because independent convenience stores in the area have already said how they are likely to be put out of business by the supermarket giant coming in to trade in the area, Worcester City ward councillor, Joy Squires, will speaking to those in the area before a decision can be reached.

She said: "Local food stores will certainly be at a disadvantage if the Sainsbury’s Local at Barbourne goes ahead, though other retailers may well benefit as customers would be able to park at the Sainsbury’s Local and then visit other shops.

"Currently there is virtually no parking available in this area."

However, she also expressed her own concern for the plans as access to the parking spaces will be off St George’s Lane North, a narrow, residential road that is already heavily congested and where turning right or left onto Barbourne Road is difficult.

The family-run Costcutter on the same road, which sells groceries, tobacco and alcohol, said their trade has already been hit by the Co-operative store on Ombersley Road and could not compete with another store.

Gurdeep Singh, from the store, said: "We're not happy at all - it's going to disrupt our business terribly. It is not going to be good for business and a couple of the lads are looking for other jobs because it will affect us so badly.

"Sainsbury's have got such buying power we won't be able to compete with the prices."

But, a spokesman for Sainsbury's said the company was confident the redevelopment of the two-storey building would be positive for the area.

She said: “We are confident that a new Sainsbury’s Local will be a positive addition to the area, bringing genuine benefits to the community by creating around 20 full and part time jobs, increasing footfall and providing more shopping choice for local residents.”

Cllr Squires will present the views of the people trading and living in the local area at a committee meeting in a few weeks time. Representations can be made to the city council about the application by Thursday, March 6, and a decision on the store's future will be made by Thursday, March 27.