RESIDENTS and shop-owners in a Wirral town have united to fight plans for retail giant Sainsbury’s to “take over” the area.

Businessman Simon Collister is leading a petition to stop the national chain opening up a Local store in Greasby.

He is concerned that vital business will be taken away from independent traders and that jobs will be under threat as a result.

The store would be built on the car park of the Red Cat pub and would create 36 jobs, according to planning consultants.

A second unit would be built alongside the convenience store, however its purpose has not yet been confirmed.

Planning documents highlight that the development would have “no adverse impact on Greasby’s local town centre but would enhance its health and vibrancy.”

But Mr Collister, who employs 35 people across both his Premier Convenience Store and Ellie’s Bistro, wants council planning officers to consider local businesses before making a decision.

He said: “If Sainsbury’s are given permission, it will do nothing for the local economy and jobs will be in jeopardy.

"I met with other shopkeepers and residents this week and we all like Greasby as it is, there is no need for a big national chain to come in and take over.

"I can’t understand why people would need another convenience-type store when there is a Co-op just over the road and lots of independent shops.

“We have got to stop these huge companies killing off local trade otherwise they will keep coming back for more.”

A spokeswoman for Sainsbury’s said: “We are in discussions with the developers about occupying the site.

"The store will complement the other more specialist shops and businesses in the area. People who go to the local independent stores will continue to do so but use us as a complementary way of shopping.”

A planning consultant for the development said: “The overriding consideration has been to ensure that the proposed development is able to make a positive contribution to the Greasby centre and how it functions, even down to securing the use of the car park for the benefit of local shoppers.

"To put it simply, the proposed development will be a local facility for local people.”