A SUPERMARKET said yesterday that it will not be welcoming back a burger van outside its store - despite receiving a petition from shoppers asking for its return.

More than 2,000 customers signed the petition to get Big Al's Snack Attack back outside the Asda store, in Whinbush Way, Darlington.

Alan Crabtree, who organised the petition, had been serving hot drinks and snacks from the van since January 2002.

However, the service was brought to an abrupt end when store manager Barry Thompson said the van had to go following requests from shoppers and staff.

Mr Crabtree said: "We have been to Asda's head office with the petition, but they did not get back to us. We were told initially that Asda would look into feedback from customers, but obviously not."

Alan's wife, Ann, said: "The previous store manager welcomed the van as it brought in more customers for them and offered a service the shop couldn't provide.

"I could understand it if the store had a caf like some of them do, but they don't.

"The van was always popular and we have had a lot of support from our customers. Some of them have said they will stop shopping at Asda. My husband is now without a job."

A spokesman for Asda's head office, in Leeds, said: "The reason why we stopped the van operating outside our store in the first place was because customers asked us to.

" I am sure there are people who want the van to return, but they are outnumbered by those who don't want it back.

"As far as we are concerned, the van will not be returning to our store."