Tesco has announced plans to open a superstore in England's smallest town.
The supermarket has bought land in Manningtree, Essex, and made its intentions known in a letter to the town council and local MP Bernard Jenkin.
The decision to build comes despite Tesco already having an Express store in the town. It met strong opposition to the opening in 2005 when sit-down protests were held against articulated lorries delivering to the convenience format store.
The plans have already angered local retailers and town council members who believe businesses will suffer.
Basker Patel, who runs Star newsagents in the town, said: "There's already enough places to shop. If Tesco builds a large store it's going to get even harder to stay in business."
Mayor Lee Lay-Flurrie has already made it clear she is against Tesco's plans and added: "I and the majority of the council believe this will have a damaging effect on our high street. That's also the view of traders. We've got lots of questions to ask and need a strong response from our business chamber."
Tesco is expected to attend a town council meeting in the next six weeks to discuss its plans.
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