TRADERS in Abergavenny are objecting to plans by a supermarket on the outskirts of the town to expand its size.

Safeway has submitted plans to Monmouthshire county council to expand its store at Llanfoist, and these are still waiting to be considered by the county planning committee.

But at a meeting of Abergavenny Chamber of Trade and Commerce, several members expressed their concern about the plans, especially in light of the redevelopment schemes for the nearby Westgate Yard and Coopers, in Llanfoist, and a site at Brecon Road.

George Ashworth, head of planning for Monmouthshire, said the Safeway scheme is to increase the store from 25,000 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft.

The fear is that expansion of major stores on the fringes of the town will kill off trade for shops in the centre.

Keith Spencer told the chamber of trade meeting: "There is room for another foodstore (in Abergavenny), and we would all agree it needs to be on the cattle market site."

Hugh Candler said the Chamber of Trade should object to the Safeway application for any increase in the size of the store, but in particular for any non-food uses.

President Alex Edwards promised to contact Mr Ashworth to clarify the scheme, and to lodge a formal objection on behalf of the members.

She asked members to back the SAUCE (Save Abergavenny's Unique Character and Environment) action group and appealed for more traders to attend their next meeting.

SAUCE has asked the Assembly to call in the council's decision.