STAFF at a hair salon have hit back at opposition to plans for a new supermarket by launching a petition in support of the bid.

Sainsbury's wants to move into the old Intoto (corr) furniture store, in Barbourne Road, Worcester which, if approved, would create 20 full and part time jobs.

Some traders in the area have already raised concern over the planned development with bosses at family-run shop Costcutter on the same road saying their business has already been hit by the Co-operative store on nearby Ombersley Road, adding it could not compete with another shop.

But staff at Elvissa hair and beauty, opposite the planned Sainsbury's Local, believe the store would be a welcome addition.

"There is nothing else around here for us at the moment," said Sam Lewis, one of the three-strong team at the salon.

"We think it would bring more clients in because of it.

"But it would also be good for ourselves as there's nothing else around here apart from the Costcutter."

She said the petition was launched a week ago and was going "very well".

Gurdeep Singh, from the Costcutter store, told your Worcester News, however, that he wouldn't be supporting the Sainsbury's application.

"We're not happy at all - it's going to disrupt our business terribly," he said.

"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."

A Sainsbury's spokesperson says the company is confident redevelopment of the two-storey building would be positive for the area.

“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," said the spokesperson.

Representations can be made to Worcester City Council about the application by Thursday (March 6), and a decision on the store's future will be made by Thursday, March 27.