SHOPKEEPERS and residents have started a campaign to kick out plans that would result in a supermarket taking over a former pub in Oakleigh.

Hundreds of people have already signed a petition opposing a Tesco Extpress being opened in Oakleigh Road North. The shop would take over the former Rising Sun Pub, which most recently operated as the Sapphire Lounge.

But the move has sparked fears it will increase traffic in the area and bring other businesses in the small parade opposite to their knees.

Ajit Shah, who has owned Oakleigh Pharmacy for 25 years, said: “It is going to disturb our business, which will affect the parade, there will be major problems with traffic and, perhaps most importantly, this is a tightknit community and people come along here for a social meet up.

“Shoppers will park in the road and the congestion is going to be tremendous. It is already terrible without Tesco here.

“I feel sorry for the residents around here. It is not appropriate at all.”

Tesco wrote to homes and shops claiming the new store would create 20 new jobs, would attract very little extra traffic and would in fact act as a deterrent to antisocial behaviour.

They also wrote that they are not required to submit planning permission for change of use to a Tesco Express, but have made applications for minor works to the building.

Sutha Haran, who owns May Brooks convenience store, said “It is going to turn the area into a small town.

“They have got the attitude that they are coming in and we can't stop them. But we don't need it. It is going to cause a lot of chaos.

“It is going to affect all the shopkeepers, and maybe shut most of us down. They are talking about how many jobs they are going to provide, but that many people will be made unemployed who are in jobs along here now.”

Nevres Kemal, of St James Avenue, is leading the campaign and said: “We don't need it. It is morally wrong.

“We are going to have to fight Tesco, otherwise the shops here will be finished. Tesco can afford not to do it, but these people will have nothing.

“There is a community here, everybody knows everybody. Tesco will come in and kill the area, they don't have any personal touch.”

Barnet Council confirmed they have this week received five applications for an ATM, a new ramped access, a new shopfront, advert consent for box signs and installation of plant equipment.

The Tesco letter said they hope to complete the works by April next year, and added: “A Tesco Express is a small convenience store designed to offer customers the best in convenience foods including fresh produce.

“Our Express stores are very much local convenience stores for local people, helping people to shop locally and saving them from so many trips to the supermarket, particularly those without a car.”