THOUSANDS of residents opposed to a new Tesco store in their town will find out next week whether it gets the go-ahead.

THOUSANDS of residents opposed to a new Tesco store in their town will find out next week whether it gets the go-ahead.

The supermarket giant wants to open one of its Express stores in an old garage on the edge of Frinton, just outside the town's famous railway gates.

The proposal also includes 13 flats, but has angered residents and businesses who are concerned about the impact on local traders.

Campaigners were given a boost this week when officers at Tendring District Council recommended the plan should be refused.

They said the proposal was contrary to planning policy, with concerns about access to the site.

The council's planning committee meets next week to vote on the proposal and although it is not obliged to follow the recommendation, it has given objectors a ray of hope in their fight.

Chris and David Nelder own C&D Nelder's Newsagents next-door to the site in Walton Road.

The couple have built up the store from a “little shack” they bought 14 years ago to a thriving business.

Mrs Nelder told the EADT: “They are right next door to us, so it would be direct competition if they did get the go-ahead.

“Once Tesco gets in somewhere, everything else seems to shut down and die. They have their supermarkets in Colchester and Clacton.

“We are still hoping it will not go-ahead, so we just hope the councillors follow what their officers have recommended to them.”

Mr and Mrs Nelder arranged a petition against the store and have gathered thousands of signatures.

It is the second time Tesco has applied to develop the site - a previous application was withdrawn before a new, smaller, proposal was put forward.

Carol Leslie, Tesco spokeswoman, said: “We think this is an excellent location for a convenience food store and there is genuine support from local people.

“We remain committed to this scheme and have worked really hard to come up with the most appropriate and sustainable development for the site. We await the planning members' decision.”

Tendring District Council's development control committee is set to vote on the issue next Wednesday.