Concerned local traders in Congresbury are urging residents to sign a petition against plans to build a new convenience store and affordable housing on the site of a derelict pub in the village.

Hundreds of people have already signed the petition, which has been distributed at shops across Congresbury, following proposals to build a new 4,499 sq ft supermarket on the site of the former Bell Inn at Kent Road.

Developer Land and Buildings Ltd has put forward draft proposals to build nine affordable homes and a convenience store on the site of the former pub, more recently known as Cromwells.

The two-, three- and four- bedroom homes would be built where the main pub is and the store put on the garden area at the side.

It is understood that the homes will be developed in partnership with a housing association.

The petition was started by Rebecca Penfold, 23, who took it around local shops.

Rebecca, who has lived in the village all her life, said: "My family has had strong links with The Bell for many, many years.

"It has always been a central part of the village and any development of the site should benefit Congresbury, not destroy it."

Names such as Co-op, Tesco Express and Budgens have been linked with the site.

Traders say the appearance of a big name convenience store in the small village could signal the death knell for small, independent businesses.

Mathan Param, 32, who runs the Morgan's Local Shop, has already collected more than 300 names on the petition.

He said: "In the village we have two small supermarkets, a butchers, bakers, newsagents and Post Office.

"We are worried that these stores, plus others, will be affected if a large convenience store is allowed to open."

A full planning application for the site has yet to be submitted and a public meeting is planned at the Old School Rooms at 8pm on June 24.

John Sneddon, planning consultant for Tetlow-King, which is drawing up the plans for Land and Buildings Ltd, said: "We want to make sure that people are fully aware of the proposals and there will be an exhibition of the plans ahead of the public meeting where we will be taking people's comments on the scheme."