CAMPAIGNERS last night said they had done all they could to stop a Tesco being built in Marston, as an inquiry on the controversial scheme drew to a close.

The supermarket giant wants to turn the former Friar pub in Old Marston Road into a new Express store. Plans were turned down twice by Oxford City Council, but went to the Planning Inspectorate after Tesco appealed.

Yesterday marked the third and final day of the proceedings at Oxford Town Hall, which initially ran for two days in March.

Representatives from Tesco, the city council and Midcounties Co-operative, which owns a nearby shop, all gave their closing statements.

In his speech, James Pereira, for the council, said the impact of the Tesco on the roads would be “unacceptable and unsafe”.

He said: “The increase in vehicles circling, vehicles parking, cyclists, pedestrians and servicing vehicles will cause problems on an already complex junction.”

Co-op representative Suella Fernandes said: “To create a fourth store in this area is excessive, unreasonable and inappropriate.”

But Tesco representative Sasha White dismissed assertions that the competition would be bad for the area.

He said: “Why does the Co-op not relish the fight?

“Because of a deep fear that the public both want Tesco and will use Tesco in preference to their own store.”

Mr White also said residents’ concerns regarding the loss of their post office if nearby Costcutter was to close was not a reason to turn down the plans.

He said: “If the Costcutter has survived a convenience store with a 337 square metres sales area 20 yards away, it will survive a convenience store of 225 square metres 50 yards away.

“One can take great comfort from that reality.”

Afterwards, city councillor Roy Darke said: “I think we are in with a chance.

“It was never the case of the council about retail competition. Our two main points were the difficulties on that junction and the loss of amenity to neighbouring properties.

“Since the inquiry last closed, there have been two serious traffic incidents on that junction, and those are just the ones we know about.”

City councillor Mary Clarkson added: “The local opinion is extremely important.

“I think we will just have to wait and see.”

Mick Haines, who led the anti-Tesco campaign, said: “We’ve done all we can. There’s nothing to do but wait and see if the inspector has heard what we have to say.”

Sub-postmaster of the Costcutter, Sivanesarajah Pakeerathan, said: “This Tesco might be creating 20 jobs, but it will just be taking those from other shops when they close. That’s obvious.”

Planning inspector Andrew Pykett visited Marston himself yesterday before making his decision.

It is expected to be announced in the week beginning June 13.