RESIDENTS have united to try and stop a Tesco store they believe is about to built in their neighbourhood.

Around 150 people have signed a petition organised by a local shopkeeper opposing proposals for a new shop on the site of the current Brunshaw pub, in Brunshaw Road, Burnley.

Burnley Council planners have received an application from Manchester-based property consultancy GL Hearn, which has represented Tesco in the past.

If permission is granted by councillors, the premises could be transformed into a shop with a cash machine and new air conditioner units.

However, residents and shop owners in the area say it is already well served by a newsagent and a Spar store.

Afzal Malik, 53, who runs Brunshaw News, next to the pub in Brunshaw Road, organised the 150-signature petition, which he handed to council bosses last week.

He said: “People don’t want a new shop here. There’s already convenience stores round here and we don’t need another one.

“If it is approved, this store would just be doing the same as I do and they would take away some of my business.

“People are right behind me on this and I am proud of that.

“They have said that if something opens there they will still buy their paper from me.”

Brunshaw ward councillor Linda White said she was backing Mr Malik and residents opposing a new store.

She said: “I share their concerns. It is a quiet area round here and we don’t want people there 24 hours a day, parking up their cars and getting money out of the cash machine.

“It will be detrimental to the local shops and there would be far more traffic down Brunshaw Road too.”

Yesterday, GL Hearn was unavailable for comment. However, the firm’s website lists Tesco among its clients.

Tesco was unavailable for comment.