TRADERS in Brynmawr are worried that a proposed new supermarket could kill their business.

Members of Blaenau Gwent planning committee are due to discuss an application for a new 35,000 sq ft Asda store, a family pub/restaurant and four non-food retail units on the town's Lakeside site on Thursday. But shop owners are concerned.

Robert Ball, chairman of Brynmawr Traders Association, and owner of Robert Ball Opticians, said it had been inevitable that a large supermarket would come to the town and be welcomed by the public.

"I just hope they will remember the shops in the rest of the town," he said. "Virtually every store will be affected, not just by what Asda sell. If shoppers go there and spend a lot of money, then there is nothing left to spend elsewhere."

Glenys Morgan, owner of Records and Cards, added: "This would be disastrous for the town, as Asda can sell everything we sell in the High Street.

"And it won't attract trade to the centre, people are not going to walk from that site to the town."

Sarah-Jane Evans, of Robert's Florists, said: "As soon as you walk into an Asda store, fresh flowers stare you in the face. We will not be able to compete."

Brynmawr councillor Lyn Elias said he welcomed the proposal, however. "I think it will be a good thing. It will stop people going out of the area to spend money, and it will give them choice, which they haven't got at the present time."

Katherine Rees and Wendy Heridge, who live and work in Brynmawr, both said they would use a new Asda and that it would bring jobs to the town.

"But we need leisure facilities, and I don't think Asda is the solution," said Ms Rees.

Council officers are recommending outline planning permission is granted subject to approval from the National Assembly and several planning conditions. One condition would stipulate the store must sell a minimum of 60 per cent convenience goods to protect the viability of the town.