A SUPERMARKET giant has hit back at claims from rival shopkeepers that it is jeopardising lives with its delivery arrangements.

The opening of the new Tesco Express shop in Oakleigh Road North, Whetstone, on Friday, was greeted with a demonstration form nearby store owners angry at the company's move.

They claim the shop, opened in the former Rising Sun pub site, will drive family-run cornershops out of business and creates a hazard with a new delivery road in front.

But, a statement from Tesco rejected the claims, saying Barnet Council had been happy with the plans for delivery arrangements.

It stated the store owners had not provided a list of their concerns, despite a request in December, and added: “We have met with the local traders and offered to work with them to make Oakleigh Road a great place to shop.

“Road safety and the safety of our customers, staff and local people is of the highest priority for us.

“The shop was really busy on its first day and very popular with local people. There was even a queue at the door when we opened.”