A FOUR-day public inquiry over plans for a new Sainsbury's in Worcester opens next week - and people are being urged to speak out about traffic problems they think a new store could cause.

Jim Panter, chairman of the Save Our St John's (SOS) group, says it is up to people opposed to the store to take a stand against Sainsbury's bid.

Worcester City Council has rejected the proposal to redevelop land in Swanpool Lane, fearing over-development of the area.

The supermarket giant decided to fight the decision by appealing against the decision to a Government inspector.

The inquiry will begin on Tuesday, when the council will argue that the store should not be built because of its size.

But Mr Panter, who has lived in St John's for 20 years, says traffic problems are the main issue, and the inspector needs to be made aware of this.

"In addition to the over-development, SOS feels the proposal is unacceptable from a traffic impact and a retail impact standpoint," he said.

"The council has rejected the scheme on the fact Sainsbury's will be too big, but from SOS's point of view we believe the most major issue is traffic.

"We're appealing for moral support from local people when Sainsbury's see the Government inspector."

Mr Panter said the proposed site, in Swanpool Walk, would be a terrible location because of its position by Barclays Bank, the new sports centre and a number of offices in St John's.

"If someone stops by the cashpoint now the traffic comes to a standstill," he said.

He said St John's housing was mainly Victorian terraced with little off-street facilities, resulting in double parking.

"The site isn't big enough to accommodate the car parking needs of current usage," added Mr Panter.

Peter Yates, senior planning officer at Worcester City Council, said officers recommended approval of the Sainsbury's store in March, but councillors decided to refuse permission.

A spokesman for Sainsbury's said the supermarket giant was optimistic for a positive outcome at the public inquiry.

"We've been involved in extensive discussions with officers at Worcester City and Worcestershire county councils over the past two years, particularly with regard to the issues of traffic generation," said Simon Coles, a spokesman for Sainsbury's property company.

"The transport report submitted demonstrated the proportion of new vehicle movements in the area would be limited, he said.

"The company believes by providing enhanced shopping choice, its proposed supermarket would encourage linked trips to the existing shops in St John's, thereby retaining trade within an established retail location."