BEFORE the fate of the controversial plan for a Tesco superstore is handed over to St Albans District Council, representatives from the store and residents want to have their final say.

Residents fear a large store in London Road will inevitably bring traffic chaos with small traders losing out.

Tesco's corporate manager Michael Kissman said: "I would like to put the other side of the argument for why a new store, along with a car park for more than 500 cars, new shops and refurbished older buildings, which are all part of the plan, is a good thing for St Albans.

"There has been a lot of talk about the new store affecting the market or the shopping area around it.

"The reality is that, at the moment, people drive out of St Albans to places such as Hatfield and London Colney for much of their food shopping. This new store would lead to them shopping closer to the city centre.

"That can only be of benefit to the local economy.

"People in St Albans are concerned about traffic, and so are we.

"It is not in Tesco's interests for customers to be unable to get to our store.

"Ultimately the power over the future shape of shopping in St Albans does not lie with Tesco or even the councillors who will determine our application over the coming weeks.

"It lies with the people who make a choice over where they do their shopping.

"A new Tesco store in St Albans can only add to that choice."

People who want to raise their concerns with the council have until Friday, June 27, to respond before the decision goes before a planning committee.