Sixty people have signed a petition objecting to plans by retailer Morrisons to build a petrol station near its Hadleigh store.

Although the company is yet to submit a formal application, people living in nearby roads including Boswell Lane, Lambert Close, Freeman Close and Charter Close who are worried about the proposed location for the filling station have sent the petition to Babergh District Council.

They fear the spot where Morrisons hopes to build the petrol station is too close to houses and could pose a threat to their health and safety.

Their objections to the proposal would normally be taken into account when the relevant planning application is determined.

In a report to Babergh this week, council officers noted that “as no application has been received, it is not possible to give any indication as to the future consideration of the matter.”

Morrisons, who opened the store in January, wrote to the petitioners at the beginning of the year informing them of its early proposals. In September, the supermarket also arranged a meeting with people in the area who were concerned.

A spokesman for the company told our reporter they were keen to continue working with the community on the plans.

He said: “We have listened to comments made at the meeting with neighbouring residents and we are currently reviewing our plans for a new petrol station.

“A planning application will follow in due course.”

The petitioners believe the petrol station could have a “negative impact” on the area.

Earlier this year Ian Wilson, of Freeman Close, said there were grave concerns about Morrisons building a petrol station “in the middle of a residential estate, within 10 yards of the nearest house”.

He said residents were not against the idea of a filling station but they believed it would be in the wrong place.

The petitioners are pushing for it to be built on the main road, near the fire station, which they believe would be much safer.