PEOPLE keen to see a new supermarket in the St John's area of Worcester are being intimidated according to the man who aims to become the city's next MP.

The Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Worcester, Richard Adams, said he had been told of the alleged problem from an employee of Worcester City Council.

The council has arranged a special technical services committee meeting for Tuesday, February 27.

Applications by Sainsbury's, Asda and Safeway are due to be decided. More than 4,000 people have signed a petition urging the council to throw out plans by Sainsbury's for a store at Swanpool Walk.

The protesters claim the supermarket would kill off smaller businesses and clog St John's with traffic.

Safeway's application, to build close to the viaduct at Hylton Road, has attracted far fewer objections.

Meanwhile, Asda hopes to construct a supermarket at the city's former Cattle Market.

Mr Adams said Worcester City Council should poll residents' views "before deciding St John's fate".

"I'm told there are people who favour the Sainsbury's option, but they're too intimidated to come forward," he said.

Mr Adams said he saw no reason why anyone should feel frightened to speak up for Sainsbury's.

"But a proper consultation will enable all to express their views, anonymously if they like," he added.

Jim Panter, the chairman of the pressure group Save Our St John's, said supporters of the supermarket plans were "quite entitled to their views", but added there was no evidence to support allegations of intimidation.

"But I've not met anyone who has spoken in favour of the plans," he said.

"I'm convinced that the vast majority of people in St John's are opposed to seeing a store at Swanpool Walk."

Peter Yates, the city council's head of development planning, said any supporters of the scheme could write to Worcester City Council's planners at Farrier House.