OBJECTORS fighting to stop a new superstore being built on the edge of Felixstowe claim support for their campaign is growing.

The Walton Felixstowe Community First (WFCF) action group says it has gained more than 300 new members in recent weeks as it has stepped up its opposition to the proposals for a 30,000sq ft Tesco supermarket at Walton Green.

Many residents are now displaying posters in windows and placard-style signs have been placed in gardens.

The group also paid for an advertising hoarding on the bridge at Garrison Lane.

“It made a real impact, and there is a genuine buzz about the campaign – people are really starting to talk, and we have seen a marked increase in new supporters as a result,” said a WFCF spokesman .

“In the week following the bill board we gained about 100 new supporters, and the numbers are growing fast.

“Local people are stopping members in the town and talking to us about their concern at the thought of this superstore being built, and impacting on their community – and most importantly, they are getting on board with us to oppose the Tesco planning application.”

A supporter registration drive on The Triangle, Hamilton Road, also recruited another 200 supporters.

“It was a fantastic response from local people and local traders. However, it was also astounding how many visitors signed up to our list,” said the spokesman.

“So many said they came to Felixstowe for the day because of our town centre and they do not want to see it change.”

The next important stage would be for people to write formally to object when a planning application is lodged.

The Walton Green Partnership – landowners Trinity College, Cambridge, and supermarket giant Tesco – expect to submit the application for the 30-acre field in Walton High Road later this month or in October.

The plans will include around 170 homes, plus business units and community facilities.

The partnership says most people who will use the store will be people who already travel to Tesco, Martlesham, and other edge-of-Ipswich stores, for their shopping and that it does not expect there to be a large impact on the town centre.