A Wirral businessman has launched a campaign against what he calls a "supermarket invasion".

His protest was sparked by speculation Tesco is planning to open another store in the borough.

Paul Edwards' petition - Wirral Against Supermarket Powers has been signed by more than 1,000 people.

He decided to launch the protest after plans by Manchester-based planning and property consultant GL Hearns were lodged with Wiral Council.

Their application, which will be considered by Wirral planning committee when it meets on Thursday, asks for permission to build a "retail unit" across the road from his post office and convenience store at Town Field Close, Noctorum.

Mr Edwards told the Globe: "We feel that this invasion by supermarket is destroying independent business activity in Wirral.

"I am strongly under the impression that planning permission will be given and am convinced Tesco will move in near us.

"If that happens, it could destroy our business.

"We have to stop the major companies moving in and taking over and killing small businesses."

Tesco is refusing to be drawn into the discussion.

A spokesman said: "We don't comment on rumour about any particular sites.

"Retailers look at many different locations all the time which may or may not progress, so all are subject to lots of speculation."

Steve Edgeller, Planning Director, GL Hearn, said: "GL Hearn has been instructed by the applicant and owner of the site, Park Lane Estates, to secure planning permission for a single storey retail unit in Townfield Close, off Noctorum Way.

"The site already has planning permission for a larger retail building, occupied by four separate units.

"The current application is for a single store instead, which accords with the Council's policies and has strong support in the community.

"The application is recommended for approval at the Planning Committee meeting on May 26."

Noctorum is not alone in being against further supermarket development.

In Greasby, around 4,000 have joined a protest campaign against plans by Sainsbury to build a store on the car park of the Red Cat pub.

And the buiding of Tesco's latest Wirral addition at the former Plough Inn near Moreton Cross was also fiercly opposed by residents and ward councillors.

A petition containing around 2,500 names was presented to members of the town hall planning committee when it met in August of last year - but it made no difference and the store was approved in any event.

To support Paul Edwards’ campaign, visit Youtube.com/user/WirralASP, facebook.com/WirralASP or email WirralASP@hotmail.co.uk