Almost 1,400 people have signed petitions in a bid to prevent a proposed new supermarket putting local shops at risk.
Hundreds of customers at a community store have objected to the Co-op's plans for a 3,000sq ft supermarket in Wimpole Street, Colchester.
The Co-op also wants to build a new funeral parlour and HQ, as well as 24 new homes.
Residents fear the development will threaten existing shops if it gets the green light.
About 1,380 customers at the Store, in Harsnett Road, have backed a campaign against the proposals.
MP Bob Russell has written to Colchester Council voicing his concerns.
The council has also received more than 120 other letters of objection.
Council planners say the site is made up of a "motley collection" of buildings, including a dairy depot and former convenience store, which are of "no architectural value".
The council says it's not allowed to take concerns over how rival developments would hit local shops into account when considering proposals.
But planning chiefs are recommending that a final decision should be deferred when councillors look at the development this week.
Published Wednesday, April 16, 2003
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