CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to fight controversial plans for a supermarket they claim will destroy their quiet Hampshire community.

Residents and businesses came out in force for a demonstration against the proposals to open a Southern Co-operatives store in Hursley Road, Chandlers’ Ford.

They fear such a store will suffocate rival local shops, cause dangerous congestion on the already busy road and intrude on the privacy of its neighbours.

With five food shops within a one-mile radius of the former Auto Forum garage site, many cannot understand why there is any need for yet another store.

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A further concern is the application for a licence to sell alcohol, which many fear will be a magnet for gangs of youths hanging around until the early hours of the morning.

Krutika Shah, whose family has run the Spar convenience store for more than 25 years, is worried that if the plans are given the green light, it will spoil the thriving community.

She said: “It is going to have a terrible effect on all the local businesses around here, which all work together to make Chandler’s Ford a great place for the residents.

“The strength of opposition from everyone I speak to is overwhelming and we will fight to stop this store ruining our village.

“It will cause really big problems for businesses and residents, with more traffic, noise and litter.

We just don’t understand why another shop is needed here. No one wants it.”

Resident Michael Read added: “We just do not need it here. It will be of great detriment to residents, particularly the elderly, while the possibility of large delivery lorries will caused huge congestion and traffic problems.”

No one from Southern Co-operatives was available to comment.

The plans will be considered by Eastleigh Council’s Chandler’s Ford and Hiltingbury local area committee on July 21.