PORTISHEAD residents have formed an anti-Tesco group in a bid to block the opening of an Express store at West Hill.

The group, which held its first official meeting at the Royal Inn on October 25, is worried about the likely increase in accidents, noise, litter, illegal parking and congestion that members believe will occur if the store goes ahead. People are also concerned about the impact it will have on other local, independent retailers in the area.

The anti-Tesco group members say they are building on the campaign that has already started, which has seen more than 2,000 people signing a petition in the Costcutter supermarket at the top of Avon Way, objecting to the opening of a Tesco Express just across the road.

Group chairman Paul Dunn says they will be lobbying Portishead Town Council and North Somerset Council, as well as opposing the planning applications submitted for minor works and alterations on the site.

The group will be attending the public meeting organised by Tesco which takes place on November 7 at the St Barnabas Centre in West Hill at 6.30pm.

A Tesco spokesman said: “Months of public consultation will now take place and the public meeting, to which everyone is welcome, will provide an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions and help shape the proposals for the new store.”

Anyone wanting to contact the campaign group can call Paul on 01275 844782 or email pauldunn@phonecoop.coop