CAMPAIGNERS fighting to stop a supermarket being built in Abergavenny have collected almost 2,000 signatures against the plan.

The group Save Our Market Town was set up by traders, councillors and farmers who are worried how a new Asda store will affect trade.

Members of the campaign have been collecting signatures for letters, which will be sent to George Ashworth, head of planning at Monmouthshire county council.

To date 1,916 signatures have been collected and 105 shops have joined the protest. Barry Greenwood, member of the group said he was pleased with the response.

"We have had tremendous support from shoppers. One couple said they came to Abergavenny to get away from supermarkets that have ruined their town," he said.

Traders are worried that the Asda store, planned for the cattle market site, will damage the town. The design for the store means it will sell items other than food such as electrical goods, CDs and clothing.

"We had a lot of feedback from people saying that Abergavenny is a different town and it's the small shops that make it unique. If Asda was built we would lose what makes the town special," Mr Greenwood said.

Mr Ashworth says proposals by developers Henry Boot could be turned down.

He told a chamber of trade meeting last week: "I have a nasty feeling elected members will want a more traditional design. We don't want something all the community hates."

The group will be out in the streets on Friday for a final collection of signatures.