BUSINESSES in Carterton have claimed plans to build a supermarket on the outskirts of the town centre would kill trade.

Last week, it was revealed that Sainsbury’s planned to build a 26,000 sq ft store in the West Oxfordshire Business and Retail Park, off Upavon Way.

But traders are calling for a supermarket to be built in the town centre.

Linda Moore, a partner in Giles Sport, Toys and Cycle shop, said: “If planning permission is granted for an edge of town store, it will kill all trade in the town centre.”

Bryan Webb, owner of Shillbrook Stationery, added: “It will suck the heart out of Carterton.”

Sainsbury’s spokesman Paul Vicary said: “As well as directly creating between 250 and 300 full and part time jobs, the new Sainsbury’s would help attract other occupiers to the empty West Oxfordshire Retail and Business Park.”