A group of residents is boycotting a Sainsbury’s Local that opened at the end of Teddington High Street on June 3 following three years of opposition.

Initially the planning application was turned down by Richmond Council in July 2013 following objections including increased, traffic, noise and damage to smaller businesses.

However, the council’s decision was overturned in June 2015 by the Planning Inspectorate after the supermarket chain appealed.

Kathy Carey, 56, who lives in Twickenham Road near the High Street, was involved with the campaign to stop the store coming to the area.

She said: “To have that decision overturned, in private, with no opportunity for input from the community is absolutely outrageous and indeed completely undemocratic.”

She added that she has not and will not be using the store.

Vici King, who spearheaded the campaign, will also be boycotting.

She said: “When the decision was overturned it really laid bare how local communities and councils are powerless in these situations.”

Ms King added: “Time will tell what impact the store will have on the independent businesses that are now competing with Sainsbury’s.”

Simon Eglington, who has run an art shop nearby on the High Street for 25 years, said he was appalled at the “disgusting” behaviour of the supermarket.

He claims that it has “reshaped the High Street” and that Sainsbury’s “don’t care about the local community”.

He is also adamant that he will not be shopping there.

On the other hand, Fari Massa, who owns a hairdresser’s a few doors down is more optimistic. She described Sainsbury’s arrival as “very good” and said “I think it will bring more business here”.

A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “It is disappointing that a small number of people have decided not to shop at the store. Since opening at the beginning of the month, the store has proved extremely popular with local people and is very busy.

"We always do our best to work closely with the local community – the store works with a local nursery where the children come into store and choose their food, which is provided for free.

"We have just recently also donated a sum of money to a local fete. The store is in the process of choosing a local charity to support, and would like to hear from local people who may have suggestions – people can just pop in and let colleagues know. We look forward to hearing from people, and will let the community know which charity is chosen.”