A proposed Tesco store in Burnt Oak would spell the death knell for what remains of its traditional shopping area', the area's MP has warned.

The supermarket giant wants to build a large store on the site of Watling Market, behind Burnt Oak Tube station.

On Tuesday, Barnet Council admitted it first began discussions with Tesco in November 2004. Talks are on-going and the council is assessing how much the land is worth. Its value is significantly reduced because the area sits on a flood plain.

The council, which earlier this year signalled its intent to increase stallholders' rents, is looking to lease the ailing 108-year-old market for 18 months.

But Hendon MP Andrew Dismore said: "Instead of killing off the market and shopping street as part of its general neglect of Burnt Oak, the council should be adopting proper parking policies to enable commuters to use the car park, freeing up residential roads.

"It should provide reasonable rents for the market to encourage traders to return, and giving proper support to the shopping street to encourage shoppers to return.

"The last thing we need is another supermarket in a shopping street which needs proper support to recover from years of neglect.

"The Tesco plan spells the death knell for what remains of Burnt Oak as a traditional shopping area."

Council leader Mike Freer said: "We are keen to achieve the best possible outcome for the Watling Market site for all concerned, and indeed to reprovide the market in a more sustainable form."

A Tesco spokesman confirmed: "It is at the very early stages of discussions. Nothing is definite."

Patti Skeats, secretary of Burnt Oak Traders' Association, said: "I think having a Tesco is a good idea, but I am concerned about the market."

If a new Tesco is built, the existing Tesco Metro store in Burnt Oak Broadway - about 500 yards from Watling Market - would close.

The council previously rejected an application for a Tesco Express store in Ballards Lane, Finchley, fearing it would put small traders out of business and damage the vitality' of North Finchley and Finchley.