THE controversial Sainsbury's store in St John's would stop Co-op Pioneer's monopoly with its "put up or shut up" attitude, claims a disgruntled customer.

Patricia Wood told yesterday's public inquiry into the proposed Swanpool Walk supermarket the Co-op was only trying to block the development because of unwanted competition.

Mrs Wood accused staff at the Henwick Road Co-op store of having a "cavalier disregard" and appealed to Government inspector Emlyn Williams to approve the site in the name of competition.

"The Co-op complains Sainsbury's will become a one stop shop - just like the Co-op, I presume," she told the inquiry.

"It sells flowers, plants, Lottery tickets and more newspapers and magazines than the neighbouring newsagent. For about 20 years the housewives of St John's have been subject to the monopoly of the Co-op.

"There were grocery outlets but the Co-op drove them out. Please do not let us be deprived of a freedom of choice."

But she praised the supermarket for introducing a free home delivery service when customers spend more than £25.

The pensioner, who lives in Henwick Road, St John's, added that although more parking spaces at the proposed site would have been preferable, customers would soon adjust the times they do their shopping.

"Our St John's will not be saved by a refusal to accept an injection of fresh blood," she added. "It will just fade away."

After the hearing, David Birtwhistle from the pressure group Save Our St John's - SOS - said he welcomed the opportunity of having stores to compete with the Co-op, but not the "monstrous" development proposed.

"We are not against competition," he said.

"There is obviously some need to improve shopping facilities within the area and we would love to see that happen if the new stores really did promote competition."