MORE than 700 people turned up at an exhibition to scrutinise plans for a new Asda store in Hereford.

And most of their searching questions centred on traffic and flooding from the nearby River Wye.

Many others wanted to know about job prospects with an anticipated 450 workforce while some were looking for information about the 12 flats and town houses included in the project.

At the end of the two-day exhibition, representatives from the developers Eign Enterprises and Asda claimed overwhelming support for the scheme which could cost up to £55 million when fully implemented.

Spokesman Simon Hoare said flooding and traffic caused most interest and he hoped people were pleased with the amount of detail the experts were able to contribute.

He claimed residents nearest to the proposed Asda store were supportive, many saying they would like to see the end of anti-social behaviour on the former caravan site which has been derelict for many years.

This was confirmed by Eign Enterprises spokesman Anthony Davies who said while some might have reservations about a large development next door he believed most found it acceptable.

Plans to include community facilities and a creche for children had been received well, he said.

Among the visitors on Friday were a group of pupils from neighbouring Hunderton Junior School who will watch the area change if planning permission is granted.

"Some of them went to the exhibition because it is a topical and debatable subject,'' said head Nick Bilham.

After the visit they returned to the classrooms to carry out lively discussions over what they had seen and heard.

"They weighed up the pros and cons and there were strong opinions both ways,'' said Mr Bilham.

The planning application, submitted to Herefordshire Council last year, is expected to be considered in April.