ANGRY shopkeepers vented their frustrations by urging people to boycott a new branch of Tesco which opened its doors in Oakleigh this morning.

Small traders pleaded with the supermarket giant not to open the Express store in the former Rising Sun pub in Oakleigh Road North, but to no avail.

Now they fear the new shop, which was already attracting considerable interest from the local community this morning, will detract from their trade.

Ajit Shah, whose pharmacy is across the road, said around 20 people stood outside to protest as the store was formally opened at 10am.

He told the Times Series: “I was pleased with the turnout and a number of people said they don't think Tesco should have opened here and they would not shop there.

“But it's going to put some shops down here out of business. It will take all the passing trade and compete directly with the local traders.

“They say they are creating lots of jobs, but it will cost even more. A lot of families will be affected by this.”

Mr Shah, who has been in the shop for 25 years, warned alterations to the pavement and road layout by the supermarket giant could lead to someone being run down.

He added: “This road has been dangerous for years, but nothing has been done and now councillors have ignored our concerns.

“This morning there was a large lorry making a delivery which had to mount the pavement to get out of the access road. What happens if there are children or an old person there who can't get out of the way?”

A campaign launched by the traders, who this morning handed out flyers saying “Tesco will kill us. Every little hurts” were backed by Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers.

However, councillors at a recent planning meeting gave permission for alterations such as a new cashpoint and neon signs.

But the members also dismissed concerns over an increase in traffic to the site, saying they would look at it again if there is evidence of a large rise in the area because of the shop.