I am writing on behalf of traders in George Street, Church Road and Blatchington Road in Hove with regard to the effects of the opening of the new Tesco store in Church Road.

Much has been made of the store's parking charges but we feel we now have to voice the devastating effect this is having on the area as people are no longer browsing the shops of these streets and all the businesses are suffering significant loss of trade (as much as 50 per cent in some cases).

Many of us are small, independent traders who will not be able to survive these shortfalls for much longer.

We are having a traders' meeting at Heebie Jeebies restaurant in George Street at 6.30pm tomorrow.

We need to make Tesco listen before it's too late.

-Dean Jenkins, Dean and Perry Jenkins Ltd, Blatchington Road, Hove