SUPERMARKET giant Tesco said shops should “relish the challenge” if its appeal for consent to build a new store in Marston was successful.

The company went head-to-head with members of the public and city councillors in a public inquiry at Oxford Town Hall yesterday.

It wants to build a new Express store on the site of the former Friar pub, in Old Marston Road.

Local residents think there are already enough shops in the area and a new store could cause traffic problems.

The plan has been turned down twice by Oxford City Council twice, but the final decision now rests in the hands of a Government planning inspector.

Sasha White, representing Tesco, said the company had set up 1,200 Express stores, and only five of those had closed, Mr White explained.

He said: “That is testament to those stores and their appeal.”

The plans had been given the backing of both county and city council planning officers before being turned down by councillors.

Mr White added: “There is no policy reason for rejecting the proposal. It’s unfortunate the Co-op is terrified of competition.

“It should relish the challenge. If current customers were satisfied, why would they move to the new store?”

Representatives of Midcounties Co-operative, who were also at the inquiry, are concerned at the possible effect on their nearby shop.

In April 2009, city councillors rejected proposals on the grounds of the effect on the neighbours and traffic issues.

The authority’s north east area committee then threw out a second proposal in September last year.

They cited the loss of the pub building, damage to trees, pressure on roads and parking and the effect on neighbouring homes.

James Pereira, for the council, said: “Councillors are the voice of the planning authority, who are very familiar with this site, its surroundings and the proposal.”

He said accidents were already “frequent” in the area, and the Tesco store could only increase that.

Councillor Roy Darke said: “The junction around this site is already a difficult junction to negotiate and this will just make it more dangerous and complex.”

Members of the public will tomorrow have their say before closing statements from all the parties involved.

Mick Haines, who has led a campaign against Tesco, handed in a petition with more than 4,000 signatures.

He said: “The current shops have been there since 1949, so why do we need another one?”