Battle lines are again being drawn against a Tesco Express being opened in Harefield.

The first skirmish may have been won last month when plans for a Tesco Express and three flats on The King's Arms site in Rickmansworth Road, was turned down by Hillingdon council's planning committee.

But the supermarket has returned to fight again, with a modified plan.

On Monday, a new petition was started to oppose the store, and soon 50 signatures had been gathered.

Atul Sodha, who runs the Londis store in Harefield, said: "We will fight on and intend to have our 15 minutes again in the council.

"Which part of the refusal did they not understand? There are Tesco Express stores in Ruislip Manor, South Ruislip and one coming in Eastcote.

"It seems to be the strategy - to saturate an area."

He said the removal of a parking space from the plans or reducion of deliveries would not make much difference; a store would still change the character of the village while providing it with parking problems.

"They are trying to mask the issue of congestion and it's all down to self-regulation which shouldn't be an option. The only way they are as successful as they are is because they have big lorries which cover all the stores. We hope residents who oppose it will also write to the council.

"We had so much support last time, and when the story of Tesco being refused was in the Gazette, we sold out of newspapers."

Pauline Crawley, chairwoman of Harefield Tenants' and Residents' Association said: "I'm not convinced an amended plan would address the problems of traffic and delivery chaos.

"How is it going to work if they are offering less deliveries, to get over the main reason for refusal, but keeping the store the same size - which presumably would need the same amount of goods?"

Tesco spokeswoman, Carol Leslie, said: "We were disappointed by the previous refusal. However, we have taken on board the members' comments and have submitted another planning application to address these concerns.

"We remain committed to Harefield and would like to thank our supporters."