CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for a controversial new supermarket development in Williton have stepped up their action with posters and petitions.

The village's chamber of commerce, which is spearheading the opposition, has already set up a dedicated campaign website LoveWilliton.co.uk.

Now it has distributed anti-supermarket posters to local shops and launched petitions that can either be signed in person or online.

It will also be sending out the first of a series of newsletters to homes and businesses in the village this weekend.

Local businessman David Gliddon, who runs agricultural machinery specialists J Gliddon and Sons - is behind the proposed supermarket.

His scheme, initially unveiled by the Free Press more than a year ago, would see the company's present premises turned into a store, with a 175-space car park, 1,300 gross square metres of units, office accommodation, five flats and a pedestrian link to Fore Street.

Chamber of commerce chairman Ken Westall said the campaign of opposition had been gathering speed since a public meeting earlier this month.

The overwhelming majority of the estimated 230 people who attended were against the development.

"We have been very heartened by the response and support from people," said Mr Westall.

He said the chamber had now submitted its formal objection to the plans, which followed a decision by Williton Parish Council last week also to lodge an objection.

Mr Westall said anyone opposing the plans should emphasise the value they placed on the current vibrant mix of village centre shops and not just engage in an "anti-supermarket rave".

Mr Westall said the chamber hoped people would show their continued opposition to the scheme by signing the petition - copies are available in Jones' greengrocers, Tina's hairdressers, the Spar, Motorline, Davies newsagents and the post office - and writing to West Somerset Council.

Mr Gliddon said his plans had received substantial support locally, and that the development would help sustain facilities such as the library, and create between 100 and 120 full-time equivalent jobs, plus additional employment from the proposed new smaller units.