SHOPKEEPERS near the site of a proposed supermarket fear their businesses will be crushed if plans are approved.

Sainsbury's bosses are due to lodge an application to build a store on the site of Westhoughton Cricket Club, off Cricketer's Way.

But business owners say the supermarket, if approved, will drive custom away from the town centre.

Florist Diane Barton, who recently took over Blooming Flowers in Market Street, said: "I'm not happy about it. I have to protect my business.

"We're getting swamped by supermarkets but they cannot offer the personal service that we do - we're like members of the community."

Naresh Pindoira, owner of Costcutter in Birch Avenue, said: "I wouldn't want a supermarket moving in, it will drive trade away.

"We rely on local custom. I don't think we need a big store because we have plenty of local shops. And I don't think Westhoughton can cope with the extra traffic."

Plans for the 25,000 sq ft store will be submitted to Bolton Council next month.

Under the proposals, Westhoughton Cricket Club will move into a new clubhouse and facilities on 13-acre playing fields at The Hoskers.

However, not all local traders believes the proposals sound the death knell for businesses.

Butcher Michael Heald is confident about the future of his family business, Beazley's, which has operated in Chorley Road for more than 100 years.

He said: "When Asda and Tesco came to Middlebrook they didn't really hurt me. We have long-term customers who know what they want from us. I'm confident we can still be successful. There's nothing wrong with a bit of competition as long as it's fair."

Paul Miller, Sainsbury's development surveyor, said: "A new Sainsbury's will revitalise the town as far as shopping is concerned. Healthy competition brings out the best in those who are pro-active. We've had a positive response to plans from residents in the area."