A CAMPAIGN group has been formed in Bridport to oppose Safeway's expansion after a packed public meeting heard details of the store's plans and local fears about their effect on the area.

More than 100 people heard area manager Rob Marriot explain the enlargement was to accommodate more isles, plus a bakery, photo development, dry cleaning and wet fish and butchery counters.

Mr Marriot said the changes would bring greater choice for customers but vociferous traders and residents left him in no doubt that given the option they would rather have the choice of a thriving town centre.

Meeting organiser Leon Sea said: "It's a shame that Safeway couldn't send someone who was involved in the development decision, instead of a manager who, to be fair to him, admitted he couldn't answer many of our questions. But if they want us to believe that this is about meeting the area's needs, of acting in our best interests, then they should consult us first."

Safeway said after the meeting that the refit and introduction of new services is due to begin in October 2002.

A spokesman said: "We take the views of our customers very seriously. The views expressed to the Bridport store's area manager on Friday have been taken on board and fed back to the rest of the Safeway head office team concerned.

"While we do have to bear in mind that these opinions are those of one group of our customer base, and we will of course take other views into consideration as well, we will continue to listen to all our customers.

"It was useful to have the opportunity to address the concerns of the meeting and also to explain some of the recent initiatives Safeway has been involved in, such as our current trial of locally-sourced fish in selected stores in the South West and our award-winning local meat range."

After the meeting a campaign group was set up and 1,200 signature-petition was collected at Saturday's market calling for Safeway to suspend its development until the people of Bridport and surrounding villages have been consulted.

The petition will be presented to the district council's planning committee in October.

Connie Burchill of Henry's Beard Caf said: "If we can halt the development through this process it would be great but it also puts the whole issue of local economies and the need to support our smaller businesses into perspective."

Anyone interested in getting involved or wanting to air their views can contact the campaign group on email at safewaynoway.yahoo.co.uk