FRIENDS of the Earth have added their opposition to the new Tesco store in Wanstead High Street as traders join their campaign for action against climate change.

Local members of the environmental campaign group handed 25 postcards from Wanstead traders to MP Harry Cohen asking for a revolution in renewable energy production.

And concern was expressed for the future of retailers if the supermarket giant gained a stranglehold on commerce in the area.

Tom Wright, of Wanstead and Woodford Friends of the Earth, said he feared Tesco could squeeze out independent shops that source produce from nearby.

He added: "As a group we would like to see more support for local businesses as the potential impact for small traders is damaging especially considering there is already a Somerfield in the High Street.

"The issue of excess packaging is a problem and as a group we feel sometimes they out-compete small businesses and don't give enough of a thought of the financial uncertainty opening a store can cause local traders."

Mr Cohen pledged to write to Prime Minister Gordon Brown demanding that at least 15 per cent of the UK's energy comes from renewable sources by 2020, and for a shift towards prioritising renewable energy projects.

Aaron Hebden, of J.D. Harvey Fruiterers and Greengrocers, said: “Renewable energy makes perfect sense so I jumped at the chance to lend the support of my business to this campaign.

"The Government needs to pull its finger out and clean up our energy supply.”

Adam White, of Majestic Wine, said: “I think the campaign is a great idea. It’s important that MPs hear from local businesses constituencies so we were really happy to add our name to the campaign.”

Tesco's bid to re-open the former Woolworths store on Wanstead High Street has been met with wide-spread condemnation from the Green Party, Wanstead Society and neighbouring shopkeepers.

No opening date has yet been set for the new store and no one from Tesco was available for comment.