A WIRRAL community is celebrating after a national supermarket chain had its planning proposals for a new store rejected.

Council officers refused an application from Sainsbury's to build a convenience store in Pensby Road, Heswall.

They said the development at the former Lookers showroom site would be "detrimental to highway and pedestrian safety."

Campaigners against the plans for a Sainsbury's Local store were thrilled with the decision.

Local residents feared the arrival of the retail giant would bring traffic problems and added congestion to the already busy road.

Alison Adlard, who led a petition with signatures from 146 households, said: "We are all extremely pleased that planning permission was refused because that area would be even worse if there was a store built there.

"It makes absolute sense to tell them 'no'.

"There are schoolchildren crossing on a regular basis and school buses pulling out; add a few delivery vehicles to that and cars turning in to the car park and you would have chaos."

Now, Mrs Adlard hopes the site will be put to good use rather than becoming derelict.

She said: "It would make a great site for a block of flats or a retirement home. Our main worry now is that it will remain empty and attract trouble."

A spokesman for Sainsbury's said a decision had not yet been made about what steps will be taken next.

He said: "We are disappointed that the council refused our application to redevelop the former Lookers car showroom on Pensby Road in Heswall as we believe that the area would benefit from a Sainsbury’s Local.

"We are currently considering our options and will continue to work closely with the council going forward."