Campaigners slam Tesco expansion

Councillors initially refused the application

Residents in Liverpool are campaigning against a decision to allow a branch of Tesco to expand its store.

Liverpool City Council's planning committee refused plans to expand the store on Mather Avenue in Allerton by more than half its current size.

But the government's Planning Inspectorate has since reversed that decision and the work will go ahead.

People living nearby say extra traffic created in and out of the store would increase pollution and road accidents.

Tesco says the scheme would create an extra 100 jobs.

After an appeal inquiry last month, the government planning inspector decided to approve an alternative plan that would see more trees planted and less encroachment onto a nearby hockey pitch.

Residents opposing the expansion are now deciding how to proceed - and may challenge the decision in the High Court.