Battle lines are officially drawn after more than 120 residents packed into a community hall to unite in a fight against a Tesco supermarket.

The first public meeting of the Keep Tesco Out campaign last night attracted residents from Lawford, Mistley and Manningtree, and meant crowds had to pile into the larger sports hall of the Lawford Venture Centre, instead of the originally booked room.

David Edmunds, who opened the meeting, told residents: "Sadly we have lost many of the shops we had many years ago. There is no butchers, no fishmongers and no grocery."

"These are all real dangers that many of us are worried about."

"It is going to thump local businesses," he added.

But he said benefits should also be considered including the easy walk for residents and employment for the area.

A show of hands demonstrated overwhelming opposition for the proposals, with just two or three in favour of the 30,000 sq ft site in Station Road, Manningtree.

The planning application is still in its consultation process. It is due to be finalised over the next two to three months.

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