PICKERING residents have spoken out against supermarket giant Safeway's plans to build a new store in the town.

A public meeting was overwhelmingly opposed to the development proposal on the Old Coalyard site, saying it would ruin small businesses.

Victor Buchanan, chairman of Pickering in Business, said: "We are the only people who care about the success of our town. We must make sure things are done the way we want them.

"Pickering is hard to beat - let's not have it spoilt. Too many other small towns have had their hearts ripped out by poorly planned supermarket development."

Paul Dunce, of Ryedale District Council, said the application would be considered by the authority in March or April.

Safeway refused to send representatives to the public meeting, saying it had already consulted people through an exhibition last year