MP for Twickenham Vince Cable has come out in support Teddington people opposing a new Sainsbury’s store, as an online petition reaches 1,200 signatures.
The e-petition, on website 38degrees.org.uk, is gathering signatures against the proposed plans for stores to be opened at 196 High Street and 210 Kingston Road.
Planning permission to build a store at 196 High Street was initially rejected, but this decision was appealed at the Planning Inspectorate in June.
Dr Cable said: "I fully share the concerns of local residents about the prospect of two new Sainsbury's stores in close proximity in Teddington.
"The inspector’s decision to uphold the appeal was a shock and a strange ruling.
"The residents who have kept up the fight, therefore, deserve enormous credit and I have pressed the council to give them maximum support."
Dr Cable said he would seek a meeting with Sainsbury’s senior management to discuss plans, which he believes run the risk of destabilising a currently diverse and reasonably healthy shopping environment in Teddington.
A spokesman for Sainsbury's confirmed progress on the High Street store had been delayed until the outcome of a judicial review and the organisation was looking at other sites in the borough, including one in Kingston Road.
The spokesman said: "We are currently developing plans for this site and again, will update the community once we are in a position to do so."
One campaigner who has signed the online petition, Lorna O, said: "Location is totally unsuitable - beside a busy junction, on a bend, opposite a church hall in constant use, and Langham Rd used as rat run by cars during rush hour.
"Building a supermarket here will create traffic chaos. Also Teddington already has Tesco, Morrisons, Budgens, M&S. We do not need another major supermarket in the area."
Patricia R, who also signed the petition, said: "Teddington has always been known for its interesting and unique shops. Let's keep it that way."
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