RESIDENTS and councillors are preparing for another "David and Goliath" conflict with a supermarket.

The warning came after Sainsbury's, in Victoria Road, appealed against a decision to restrict its night-time deliveries.

When the store was built - originally as Safeway - night-time deliveries were banned to prevent lorries disturbing residents' sleep.

Sainsbury's applied to overturn the restrictions, but its bid was rejected by Darlington Borough Council's planning committee in April. Now, Sainsbury's appeal has dismayed residents of South Terrace, Quaker Lane, and Polam Road.

One resident has warned future residents of developments at the former petrol station and Feethams could also be affected.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes, who is supporting the residents, has warned the supermarket is a "huge company with top planning advisors and lawyers".

She said: "Sainsbury's has run roughshod over residents in other towns and it appears my residents will be next unless I make a stand on their behalf.

"Sainsbury's made illegal night-time deliveries for three months last summer. People in South Terrace, Quaker Lane, and even Polam Road had their sleep interrupted by the noise.

"We don't need environmental health officers offering simulation models of what we can expect when night deliveries start - we already know and have had people who have suffered as a consequence."

Coun Hughes has also reported Sainsbury's to the Health and Safety Executive, after the super-market said it needed night-time deliveries to reduce pressure on its staff.

"I hope immediate action may be taken by them to encourage management to tackle health and safety problems by, for example, hiring additional staff."

Craig Hardy, from South Terrace, said: "It is David and Goliath again. First, we had to fight against Tesco, now we have to fight against Sainsbury's.

"I just don't accept the reasons for their appeal. The facts are still the same - it does disturb people at night-time.

"The new developments will also be affected - they could be driving past the windows of the petrol station flats every day.

"We are going to have to rally round and put something together again. We want to put this to bed once and for all."

A Sainsbury's spokesman said: "We want night-time deliveries so we can continue to provide good food for our customers."

Anyone who would like to comment on Sainsbury's appeal is asked to contact Coun Hughes on 01325-480975