Published: Tuesday, 1st December, 2009 2:00pm

Protests against Sainsbury's plan

by Lorraine Tinney

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PLAN PROTESTERS: Angeline Austin, left, Pam Stewart and Terry Deegan with Kate Austin, seven, Corey Stables, seven, and four-year-old Mark Stewart.

NEARLY 150 people have protested against plans to open two shops - including a Sainsbury's store - in Greenock's west end.

The Tele revealed on Saturday that supermarket giants Sainsbury's had shown interest in the development at 52-54 Finnart Street.

But the proposal, which also includes 34 flats, has sparked massive opposition.

A total of 15 individual letters of objection and 133 copies of a standard letter were sent to planning bosses.

Builder Alex McKay had previously been granted permission to build 40 flats at the site in May.

But the amended plan means fewer flats on the corner of Robertson Street and Finnart Street and, controversially, two shops.

Residents and shopkeepers have now hit out against the plans.

Concerns have been raised about a increase in traffic affecting child safety, vans delivering supplies, parking problems, road safety issues and how the development would affect traders.

Mum-of-two Angeline Austin, 36, of Robertson Street, said: "Shops will cause too much traffic late at night. We have got sufficient shops already in the area. It is also going to cause a lot of kids to congregate in this area."

Meanwhile, Pam Stewart, 43, who has three children, said: "It going to bring a lot of anti-social behaviour to the area and it will become congested with traffic.

"Community wardens are going to be out for the next two weeks in Robertson Street because of problems caused by double parking as it is."

Other comments included the fact the site is near the west end conservation area and the need for houses is greater than for shops.

Pensioner Terry Deegan, also of Robertson Street, said: "I object to the extra traffic. And we don't need another shop here.

"The traffic will be horrendous, with lorries loading and unloading.

"My grandchildren walk this way to go to St Mary's. I am concerned for their safety."

Council officials have recommended that permission for the application is granted, with certain conditions attached.

But the final decision will be taken by councillors at Inverclyde Council's planning committee meeting tomorrow.