A welcome addition offering wider choice to the shopper, or the death knell for small shops that will wreck the community?
That is the debate being tackled by residents and businesses in West Kensington after the opening of a new Sainsbury's drew a step closer when the chain was granted an alcohol licence last week.
The new store, which will open at the former site of the Crescent Club in North End Crescent, previously The Fox and later Roots and Kultured,is staunchly opposed by resident Andrew Harley, who was one of 1,000 people to unsuccessfully sign a petition against the supermarket giant.
Mr Harley, of Mornington Crescent, fears convenience stores like Malik Moneywise and Mace will end up closing, leading to a rise in youth crime in the process.
"These places aren't just shops, the people who run them almost act like unpaid youth workers," he said.
"They are constantly talking to young people who otherwise don't have a lot to do – kids can go in there and speak to fellow local people who know all about the area.
"I think there is only a very slim chance that these shops will be able to survive and there is definite worry that a rise in youth crime will be inevitable.
"When Tesco opened in Olympia the local shops didn't stand a chance and the same will happen here. There is no need for a Sainsbury's when you can 10 minutes in all directions and find a Tesco."
Others, however, say the new store will regenerate the area and many are delighted that the building will not be reopening as a bar after the troubles involving the Crescent Club.
Marcos Wavey, a 33-year-old businessman who lives nearby, said: "This is great, especially as there was no end of trouble at the club. Put it this way if the choice is between a supermarket and another nightclub, I'll take the supermarket, not least because it will offer much greater choice."
Neither Mace of Malik Moneywise were available for comment, while Sainsbury's insists its stores always help, rather than hinder, local communities.
A spokesman said: "We are delighted to be investing in North End Crescent bringing new jobs and better choice for local shoppers. The new store will be ideally placed to serve local residents and will bring a quality food offer to the area allowing people to shop locally rather than travelling further afield."
