A SUPERMARKET has attempted to reassure residents who fear a new store in Whetstone will be detrimental to the community.

Residents fear a Tesco Express, due to open in Oakleigh Road North, will put small retailers out of business and undermine the area’s friendly community.

But the supermarket giant has said its store can benefit the neighbourhood.

More than 1,000 residents have signed a petition against the shop, which is planned to take over the former Sapphire Lounge pub in the new year.

Carol Leslie, spokesman for Tesco, said: “We understand with any change there will always be concerns but more competition and choice can only bring advantages to the area.

“In our experience, Express stores boost local trade and encourage more people to stay and shop in the area and in turn can have a positive effect for other local traders.”

The company has stated the new store will create around 20 new jobs and bring more investment and more choice to the area.

Addressing concerns about increased traffic, Ms Leslie said: “Due to the nature of convenience stores, they tend not to encourage people to specifically drive to them, but attract people on foot.”

The site has an existing customer car park which will continue to be used.

Ms Leslie added: “We have written to immediate neighbours and we understand there were problems with the pub, especially about the level of noise late at night.

“We are always mindful of our neighbours' concerns.”