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THE FIGHT to stop Tesco Express from setting up shop in Penarth town centre has gone online.

Penarth resident David Wilton has launched a CAMPAIGN AGAINST TESCO IN PENARTH' group on social networking site Facebook, and 250 members have already signed up.

David, head of online marketing for Legal & General, plans to use the group to keep people up-to-date with the campaign.

He said: "Ultimately Facebook won't stop Tesco Express from coming to Penarth.

"But my aim for starting this group was to raise awareness of Tesco's plan.

"Penarth has a rich diversity of local independent traders and I hope Penarthians will continue to support what makes this town unique.

"Otherwise, if shops like Tesco Express move in and take over, we are in danger of becoming a clone town."

A Tesco spokesperson confirmed last month that an agreement has been made to lease the ground floor of the The Old Cinema on Herbert Terrace - where work to build 34 studio flats in the three upper floors is already under way.

Tesco Express, a downscaled version of the company's larger supermarkets, is due to open in summer 2009.

As previously reported in the Penarth Times, a petition signed by more than 1,500 Penarthians angry at the news, is set to be presented to the Vale of Glamorgan Council next month.

St Augustine's Ward Councillor Sophie Williams will hand over the petition at a meeting of council chiefs on June 25.

Cllr Williams said: "I'm happy to back the campaign because so many people are against Tesco Express moving to Penarth.

"Whether it will change anything is debatable, but at least it will give the council an idea of the strength of feeling that exists - and of the concerns local people have at the threat posed to independent traders in Penarth."

To join the Facebook group, log onto www.facebook.com, sign up as a member and access the group by searching for CAMPAIGN AGAINST TESCO IN PENARTH'. Petitions can also be signed at many shops in the town.

12:09pm Saturday 17th May 2008

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