Town centre traders say the expansion of an out-of-town shopping store could sound the death knell for them.

Asda wants to build a big extension at its superstore in Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, in Brighton, and has applied to the city council for permission.

However, the London Road Area Traders Association says the new extension three miles away would put the store in direct competition with them.

Chairman Roy Brown said London Road had been declining, although it remained a traditional shopping area serving local needs.

He said: "This area offers more than just the purchase of essentials, it provides a real sense of community to all who use it as well as a lifeline to some. This will be undermined if more shoppers are sucked out of the area."

Mr Brown said while more jobs might be created at Asda, there would be a great reduction in London Road.

And he said shops were already suffering through a traffic management scheme.

He said: "Even a marginal loss at this stage could be catastrophic to their viability."

Green councillor Rik Child said: "If the council allows this application, it will send a signal to the people that it doesn't feel the London Road shopping area has a future.

"I will do all I can to help traders and shoppers have access to a new and improved London Road area.

"I am mystified as to why the Labour party wants this extension to go ahead."

The application is recommended for approval and a detailed report says the impact on the London Road shops would be small.

A decision on the plan was deferred earlier this month so planning committee members of Brighton and Hove City Council could make a site visit.

It will be reconsidered on Wednesday.