Crawley MP Laura Moffatt is supporting Asda in the battle of the supermarkets competing to open in the town centre.

She says Asda would be a better bet for the development in West Green than its rival Tesco which is also applying for planning permission at the same site.

She said: "I'm not clear why Tesco is interested in this new site because its existing store at Three Bridges is excellent.

"As a consumer I have to say I would welcome the addition of a new and different store. It would extend choice for Crawley people and the extra competition could have an effect on prices."

Asda, now owned by American giant Wal-Mart, has already agreed terms with the council but Tesco, in partnership with Wyncote Developments, has since put in a bid to scupper its rival and this will be considered early next year.

Asda, together with Ifield Partnership, Hammerson Group and Gleeson Homes, wants to develop a 7.9 acre site behind the High Street. It would include a supermarket, 56 flats, 18 homes, offices and shops.

350 new jobs would be created if the supermarket development gets the go-ahead later this year.