A GROUP of campaigners held a protest outside the newly-opened Tesco Express store in Southwold today.

More than 20 residents and shop keepers stood outside from 10am with posters and leaflets claiming the chain had not listened to requests to take measures to protect independent shops.

It was believe that the new store, based in Queen Street, would not sell newspapers, magazines or greetings cards but traders reacted with dismay upon discovering this week at the opening that these items are being stocked.

The Southwold Chamber of Trade had initially welcomed Tesco to the town – accepting the need for a new town centre supermarket – but said the retailer was now acting against the wishes of the community.

Tesco said it had not agreed not to sell certain products but said it had listened to local concerns and was only stocking a 'basic' range of newspapers and magazines. It claimed it was receiving strong support from the town.

Campaigner John Veitch said he was there because he 'didn't agree with the selling of newspapers' at the Tesco shop. He said: 'I am hoping that the protest will make them withdraw the sale of their newspapers. I am also opposed to the late night opening of 11pm.'

Southwold Town Council held a meeting in July with two Tesco representatives and reported back afterwards that the store had agreed not to sell newspapers or magazines, following concerns raised by local people and traders. However, Tesco said no promise could have been made and the meeting was only to gather feedback from the community.

Another campaigner June Ackroyd echoed Mr Veitch's concerns and added: 'The problem is we don't seem to get a straight answer from Tesco about what they intend to do. It would be nice to think they will take some notice of us. We have excellent newsagents and we don't want to mess up the high street any more.

'It's useless - they didn't do anything we asked them to do.'

Traders in the town have also expressed fears about the impact of the forthcoming arrival of WHSmith in the Market Place. There are also rumours of a costa coffee making an appearance in the town.

Carol Leslie, spokesperson for Tesco, said earlier this week: 'The feedback from customers has been tremendous and we are pleased that so many local people have supported us on opening day.

'As a convenience food store, customers do expect us to provide certain products and services.

'Having listened to feedback from the community we will only provide a basic range of newspapers and magazines and will monitor the response now the store is open.'