CHINGFORD and Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith has pledged to 'keep calling Boris Johnson until the next election' to protest against the Highams Park Tesco development.

Leading a protest on the site in Jubilee Avenue this afternoon (Friday), Mr Duncan Smith said: “This doesn't suit the local area at all. It's very dangerous with the level crossing – it's not the right place for a supermarket.”

As many as 100 protesters gathered and waved placards with messages such as 'BIG NO TO BIG TESCO'.

A similar message has also been spray painted onto the front of nearby Budgens supermarket, reading 'WE SAY NO TO TESCO'.

Motorists signalled their support for the protest by sounding their horns and waving as they drove past.

A police patrol car also pulled up during the protest but officers did not intervene.

Mr Duncan Smith urged protesters to persevere, saying: “All I can say is keep going. I can't promise we will win but I can promise we won't win if we give up.

“I'm utterly opposed to the scheme.”

Fears have been raised that trade will be drawn away from local businesses and that the proposed new supermarket and housing development will cause major traffic congestion.

Tesco has already said it has received 'substantial support' from both residents and traders and that it believes the scheme will be 'beneficial to Highams Park.

A spokesman said: "It is also important to recognise that our proposals are fully compliant with Waltham Forest Council's planning policies and that our application was recommended for approval by the Council's planning officers.

"We believe that this scheme will be beneficial to Highams Park and we look forward to being an active member of the community."

The Highams Park Forum is to send a letter to John Denham, the communities minister, asking for the application to be called in.

Others are also being encouraged to write and register their opposition in a last ditch bid to keep the development from going ahead.

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