A developer has launched a campaign to rally support for a multi-million pound supermarket scheme following fierce opposition from some residents.

With just weeks before councillors decide whether to back the Bicester scheme, London-based firm Kimberley Developers has gone on the offensive. It is seeking planning permission to build a new superstore on land between Skimmingdish Lane and Buckingham Road.

Supermarket chains interested in the site include Waitrose, Morrisons and Safeway.

A total of 13,000 leaflets including a short questionnaire on shopping habits, will be put through letter boxes throughout Bicester in the next few days to gauge support for the scheme.

Kimberley is also holding a public exhibition inside the council offices at The Garth, Launton Road, on Tuesday.

Concerns raised by residents have included the increase in traffic along Skimmingdish Lane and noise created by delivery lorries.

But managing director, David Anderson, who will be on hand to answer questions and hear criticisms at the exhibition, said: "Bicester does not have the choice of supermarket shopping. It is either Tesco or Tesco. The only site available for the supermarket is the one subject to our planning application."