EMOTIONS ran high as residents turned out in force to voice their opinions about Tesco's proposals to extend the store in Prestwich.

More than 200 people packed in to the Longfield Suite on Tuesday night (March 6) to take part in the public meeting organised by Prestwich Area Board. And the majority of those present said that they "wholeheartedly opposed" the controversial plans after a quick poll via a show of hands.

Chief planning officer at Bury Council Brian Daniel gave a presentation of the plan, submitted by Tesco in January, and a representative from the store, Martin Venning, who is the corporate affairs manager of Tesco, sat on the panel to answer any questions.

A survey of the business community has revealed that opinion was divided, but the honorary secretary of Prestwich Business Forum, John Ardern, said: "Tesco is one of the most successful stores in the country and, as a business group, we should be supporting them."

Opposition to the plans, however, was expressed by a number of residents, including Judy Pascal, who said: "The Village is facing its biggest threat. The extension to Tesco will be the final nail in the coffin for the precinct and I am sure that the closure of Sainsbury's is directly related to Tesco. "We lost the fight to prevent Tesco from coming to Prestwich last time, but this time we are going to win."

Many accused Tesco of being a "vacuum" and taking out of the local community without putting anything back in, while some stated that planned investment for the Longfield Centre by the local authority would be wasted if the store plans were to go ahead.

As a result, MP Ivan Lewis challenged Tesco to show their commitment to the area by investing in community projects.

He said: "If they care about Prestwich at all they should be match-funding the council's £400,000 investment."

"Also, the existing football pitch could be expanded and the development could include a park with play facilities for children."

The chairman of the meeting, Councillor Paul Nesbit, assured people that their comments would be noted and that Tesco would go away and "discuss any alterations they wish to make".

Detailed talks between the parties involved were expected to begin next week.

Prestwich Area Board member and local councillor Wilf Davison declared an interest at the start of the meeting and announced that, as a member of the planning committee, he would abstain from being involved in the decision regarding the Tesco plan.

Coun Davison said that last year he spoke to senior executives of Tesco at a corporate event about "the way the site could be more integrated into the Village" and how pedestrian access could be improved.

However, he stated how "disappointed" he was with the subsequent application, adding: "I very much oppose the retail units."