CONCERNS have been raised about whether Highams Park can cope with extra traffic if a 24-hour Tesco store is built.

The Guardian revealed on Thursday that the retail giant is submitting plans to build a 'village' called Highams Green, which includes a new store and 350 underground car parking spaces, 260 homes, seven independent shops facing Larkshall Road and space for offices, workshops and business start-up units.

But some residents fear the proposed development will cause an increase in traffic that the area's roads cannot deal with.

Maureen Couser, who lives off Larkshall Road, said she is in favour of the store being built after viewing the plans at Hale End Library today (Saturday).

However she added: "They are planning to build quite a few homes and that means there will be many more cars and people coming here."

Gerald Benson and his wife Carolyn are also concerned about road congestion.

"We live in Lyndhurst Road and it is already a rat run. Then there is the level crossing and the barriers come down every seven minutes. What's it going to be like if there is a Tesco?," Mr Benson asked.

Mrs Benson added: "There is already a big Sainsbury's and a Morrisons near here. Do we need another supermarket?"

John Doherty, of Larkshall Road, said: "These plans are an improvement on the last ones. But I'm worried about the extra traffic.