TRADERS in a thriving district of Preston fear a new supermarket which has opened on their doorstep, could drive them out of business.

Shopkeepers on Blackpool Road, in Lea, were amazed when a Somerfield shop set up in a petrol station.

Now they fear that with its supermarket prices and long opening hours, they won't be able to compete.

Gary Cargill, who has run the Family Store, opposite the new shop, for three years, believes it will wipe out trade.

"For us, this is an absolute disaster," he said. "Even though they are only a small shop, they are part of a huge chain which can buy in bulk and sell cheap. We can't do that.

"The first we knew about it was when the signs were put up outside."

Gary claims business has already been affected and, despite opening for longer, he and his wife Caroline can't recoup lost trade.

He said: "Even if we close down, which seems likely, we won't be able to sell it on because there is no trade.

And he warned: "In 12 months, there will be no shops around here other than the Somerfield store. They will then be able to charge what they like and people will have to pay it because there is no alternative."

Terry Titchmarsh, who runs the neighbouring Lea Wines, is also concerned. Although the Somerfield stone does not sell alcohol, he fears it might in the future.

He said: "My days are numbered if they started selling booze. The signs are already up in there saying they can't sell alcohol to the under-18s."

Local councillor George Wilkins described the threat to the shops as a 'tragedy.' He said: "It is unthinkable that any of these shops should have to shut. This part of town already suffers from a lack of facilities."

A spokesperson for Somerfield said they would endeavour to provide local people with the services they asked for, but refused to be drawn on the possibility of an liquor licence.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.