A SECOND Worcester supermarket is planning round-the-clock opening despite fears it will disturb those living near the site.

Members of St Peter's Parish Council have called Tesco's proposals "excessive" and questioned why two 24-hour supermarkets are needed within three miles of each other as the Warndon store currently runs such a scheme.

Tesco has applied to Worcester City Council to open its St Peter's store continuously from 8am Mondays to 10pm Saturdays for the next year on a trial period. But the chain has also applied to make the 24-hour trial opening times at its Warndon store permanent.

Roger Knight, vice chairman of St Peter's Parish Council, said he was convinced those living nearby would object to the proposals.

"Residents are not going to receive this proposal very well," he said.

"Those living nearby will suffer as the plans will create more late-night noise and traffic movement. St Peter's is not like Warndon where the houses are further away.

"But why do we need another 24- hour store? People who shop at 3am are not going to walk so why do they need two supermarkets open within three miles of one another?"

Richard Anderson, corporate affairs manager at Tesco, said he understood people's concerns. But he claimed 24-hour opening was a crime deterrent.

"The two stores are close together but they serve slightly different purposes," he said.

"We aim to offer maximum convenience and people like it. We are also well practised at opening throughout the night and go to great lengths not to create more noise and light. Opening 24 hours can also result in less vandalism, graffiti or litter as the stores are continually manned with people using them."

Peter Yates, head of planning at Worcester City Council, said he would be talking to officers from environmental health and residents.

"We want to talk to environmental health to see what, if any, complaints have been received about the extended hours in Warndon," he said.

"We will also be talking to those living by the St Peter's store to find out what they think of extended hours in that area."