A 300-STRONG crowd rounded on councillors who approved a controversial application to allow a Worcester supermarket to open 24 hours a day for a year.

Residents crammed into St Peter's village hall last night and hung through the windows to hear the explanation of two Worcester city councillors who attended the public meeting.

Councillors Geoff Williams and Paul Denham faced the group, and were shouted at and heckled by members of the crowd angry at the Tesco decision.

The council was also accused of taking a "sweetener" from Tesco to get the bid approved, and one supporter of 24-hour opening was shouted down by opponents.

Tesco representatives had been warned to stay away from the meeting for fear they would be met "mob-handed", said one member of the public.

Sally Mills, one of the residents who has spearheaded the anti-Tesco campaign, said there was strong feeling in the area.

"We, the community of St Peter's, are here this evening to bring to your attention the concerns we have for the area and its environment," she said.

"I think the number of people here show many are not happy with 24-hour opening.

"We are entitled to a decent life and a decent night's sleep."

Residents opposed the plans for 24-hour opening as they were concerned about noise from delivery lorries, disturbance from security lights throughout the night and the possibility of gangs of youths being attracted to the area.

Many are also concerned about the increased volume of traffic along St Peter's Drive.

Both city councillors who attended the meeting defended their decision, but Coun Denham admitted he had not seen the full noise report from Tesco before the meeting.

"If we had refused Tesco, they may well have been granted permanent 24-hour opening on appeal by the Secretary of State, and Worcester citizens would have probably picked up all the legal and other costs," he said.

"You now have the opportunity to put together a strong case in time for next year's Tesco application."

Residents have vowed to carefully monitor traffic volumes and speeds, and will immediately report any breaching of Tesco's 24-hour opening rules.

The parish council is also planning on setting up a website on which to report problems, and is producing a form which will be sent out to all residents in the next newsletter.