WE don’t want you here.

That was the resounding message from hundreds of residents last night angry at controversial plans to open a giant supermarket in their quiet Hampshire town.

Up to 500 people crammed into the Jubilee Hall in Bishop’s Waltham for a public meeting to discuss whether supermarket giant Sainsbury’s should open a new store.

In what has been described as the most important development in the town for decades, up to 200 people were left standing at the back of the hall as the town voiced almost unanimous opposition.

During a raising of hands to show who supported the opening of a new store just two people held their hands up.

More than 20 people stood up to speak against the plans with one resident even calling for a massive banner to be hung across the High Street saying “Don’t let Sainsbury’s Kill Off Our Community.”

Fishmonger Peter Atkinson, who formed the Bishop’s Waltham Action Group Against Sainsbury’s, called on traders and residents to stand up and fight the supermarket giant.

He said: “I’m concerned about the affect it will have on my business. But I’m also concerned about the affect it will have on the identity of this town and what Sainsbury’s will do to it. Once Sainsbury’s come here this town will change forever and we won’t get it back.”

A petition launched by the action group has so far collected more than 2,500 signatures.

Sainsbury’s is hoping to build a new store covering 35,000 sq ft and employing up to 300 staff on the Abbey Mill site.

If built, the superstore would cover an area of land more than two times the size of an Olympic sized swimming pool.

Peter Mason, Hampshire County Council Liberal Democrat Member for Bishops Waltham, said: “It will change Bishop’s Waltham out of all proportion.

“It will be horrendous the amount of traffic that will be generated by the development. I urge you all to say no.”

Winchester City councillor George Hollingbery, called on traders and residents to start supporting the action group by knocking on doors and campaigning against the supermarket giant.

He said: “If you make the effort now you might just stop this happening.”

Sainsbury’s is planning to leaflet up to 12,000 homes in the area as part of a consultation over the plans. The supermarket bought the land last December but planning permission for the store has not been submitted yet.

To join the Bishop’s Waltham Action Group Against Sainsbury’s, contact Peter Atkinson on 01489 896111.