INDEPENDENT traders in Wanstead and Woodford fear their livelihoods could be in jeopardy after supermarket giant Tesco announced plans to open a new store.

The multi-million pound empire, which controls a third of the UK's grocery market, has applied to open an Express branch in the new Roof Terrace development which is currently under construction in High Road, Woodford Green.

With the threat of closure looming over the nearby post office, the news has left independent shopkeepers in the area fearing a bleak future.

Many responded angrily after only learning of the application a couple of days ago from their Neighbourhood Watch team.

Huseyin Cicek, who bought the Only Once Supermarket in High Road just three months ago, said his business would be "crushed" by the superstore giant.

He said: "All three of my sons work here and it's hard enough already with expensive rent and labour.

"If Tesco comes we will certainly go down."

Tajinder Sagoo from South Woodford News agreed, saying: "They will sell everything we sell but for longer hours. Tesco are the big boys, we can't compete against them."

Imran Jan, who owns Churchfield Pharmacy, in High Road, said shopkeepers were not made aware of the public consultation that ended on Tuesday, March 18.

He added: "If it wasn't for the Neighbourhood Watch telling me, I would never have known. It's the council's responsibility to ask us but we have had no way of getting our views across."

A spokeswoman for Red-bridge Council said as the proposal was for a private development, it had no say in the matter unless there was solid proof it would have a detrimental affect on the community.

She added: "People have had the opportunity to object since the planning applications were received, but most complaints just seem to be that people don't like Tesco, which really isn't grounds for us to get involved.

"We have printed adverts in the local papers and made the proposals available at the library, and apart from knocking on every door in Woodford Green, there's only so much we can do.

"Tesco is a viable business providing for the community, and local shops should remember that their business may actually increase as the development will be providing new apartments."

A decision is expected at the end of April and all objections will continue to be received by the council until then.