Hundreds of people have signed a petition opposing Tesco's application to sell alcohol at a new store in Isleworth.

The retail giant plans to open a supermarket at the site of the ARK Heating plumbing shop in Clifton Road, near Heston fire station. It has asked Hounslow Council for permission to sell liquor seven days a week, from 6am to 11pm each day.

However, furious shopkeepers, whose concerns are backed by a local councillor, claim the new store would hit already struggling small traders in the area.

They also say another shop selling alcohol so close to West Thames College is unsuitable and could lead to antisocial behaviour in the area.

They handed in a petition to the council today (Monday, June 9) with an estimated 1,000 signatures opposing the licensing application, for which the deadline for representations is tomorrow.

Jo Gadher, whose brother owns the Best One store, in London Road, Isleworth, said: "This is a quiet residential area and we do not need another shop selling alcohol. There are already four pubs near the site in London Road and more than 19 shops selling alcohol."

Tim Fleming, who is a member of the London Road Neighbourhood Watch scheme, said: "This is going to have a devastating effect on local shops and it's going to add to the existing problems with drink and drugs in Thornbury Park."

Plans for five flats and an extension to the existing shop at the site have already been approved by the council but Ms Gadher said the application was not properly advertised, with letters only sent to 57 households and no mention that Tesco was coming.

The supermarket chain does not need to apply for change of use as the ground floor was already being used for retail, but it must get a licence in order to sell alcohol.

A spokeswoman for Tesco said: "As a responsible retailer we take the sale of alcohol extremely seriously. All our colleagues undertake training on the issue and we maintain a ‘Challenge 25’ policy on alcohol sales in our stores.

"We have applied for an alcohol licence for our new store in Clifton Road, Iselworth and the Council will decide whether this will be granted."

A council spokesman said: "In line with the council's policy, the planning application was publicised by a press notice and site notices, and 57 letters were sent out to nearby residents and businesses.

"We were not aware of Tesco's interest in the shop until a licensing application was received.

"The council's Licensing Committee will hear Tesco's licensing application on July 22, when the petition will also be considered."

Sheila O'Reilly, Conservative councillor for Osterley & Spring Grove, said: "I think it was a bit sneaky because the planning application went in with no mention of a change of owner.

"This would be a disaster for local shops and would totally change what is a really nice residential area."