CAMPAIGNERS fighting to prevent the opening of a new Tesco Express store have launched an appeal against the council’s decision to grant the supermarket an alcohol licence.

Traders and shoppers in Wanstead High Street have clubbed together to pay for a court summons to be sent to Redbridge Council so that they can begin a legal battle to overturn the ruling.

Protesters launched the appeal after being angered by the council licencing committee’s refusal to accept a 1,400 name petition opposing the application before a hearing in April.

Ashley Gunstock, who has helped lead the campaign, handed over a cheque to cover the costs of the summons at Redbridge Magistrates Court last Friday.

He said: “We oppose Tesco getting an alcohol licence because we believe it would increase anti-social behaviour in this area.

“None of us could believe it when the committee refused to accept our petition before the licencing hearing.

“We were told by the council that we would be able to hand it in on the day of the hearing, but Cllr (Edward) Griffin told us it was too late.

“He said he would have to ask Tesco if they would allow the petition to be accepted, and of course, they didn’t.

“He then wouldn’t allow Councillor Sue Nolan to speak on behalf of our campaign.

“There is a strong feeling in Wanstead that our views have just been ridden over roughshod by the council and that we therefore had to appeal against the decision.”

Mr Gunstock, of Cranbourne Avenue, Wanstead, said campaigners would also highlight the example of other London boroughs where police have opposed the granting of alcohol licences to Tesco Express stores to prevent anti-social behaviour.

He said: “We feel we have plenty of evidence to back our case.”

A date has still not been set for the controversial store to open more than two months after its alcohol licence application was granted.

A Tesco spokeswoman said the firm was waiting for council approval to create a new loading bay in front of the shop and that it had a zero tolerance policy towards underage drinking.

A council spokeswoman said: "The Council cannot comment as we have not as yet received a formal notice of appeal."