CAMPAIGNERS backing a new Tesco superstore at Felixstowe today claimed support for the project is growing daily.

The support group has been launched because people fear the project’s opponents – who also claim their numbers are increasing – could persuade planners to reject the scheme for the 30,000sq ft supermarket.

It is certainly a debate which has split the area’s population.

Antony Perkins, who is organising the support for the multi-million pound project at Walton Green, said: “In many cases there is a silent majority who just believe an important development will be approved.

“But I think we have got to make some noise and let our councillors know that there is support for this superstore.

“If we sit back, only those who are against it will have their views heard.

“We don’t want to lose this chance for people in Felixstowe to shop closer to home and have a real choice.”

Mr Perkins, 28, of Elizabeth Way, Felixstowe, who works as a refrigeration technician, said people were being encouraged to write letters to Suffolk Coastal giving their views and to add their names to the on-line petition.

“I believe there are a lot of people for this development. Lots of people already go to Tesco at Martlesham to shop and it would save that journey. It would provide more competition and choice, and I don’t believe it would have a big impact on the town centre – it’s not going to harm the charity shops and coffee houses.”

He said the group had put up a number of pro-Tesco signs but some had already been stolen or ripped down.

The Walton Felixstowe Community First action group – which is fighting the development – says the Walton Green development will be twice the size Suffolk Coastal says the town needs for its future needs.

It will deprive town centre supermarkets of £4m trade – and take trade from other businesses by reducing footfall in Hamilton Road.