A MAJOR expansion plan for Tesco's super store at Belmont has alarmed local residents.

They are concerned that the multi-million pound proposals include moving the petrol filling station across the road from its present position and nearer their homes.

Some have started up a petition expressing their fears and urging Herefordshire Council that the plan merited a public inquiry before being finally considered.

Tesco confirmed this week that it was seeking planning permission for a major 'makeover' of the Belmont store, which has been in business there since 1989.

It described the store as a great success story, beating all expectations.

As part of a plan to improve facilities for customers the company had acquired empty land on the other side of Abbotsmead Road and it wanted to move the petrol filling station to that site.

The proposals included a new roundabout at the entrance to both the store and the new station as well as a pedestrian crossing.

Tesco also want to expand the size of the store by 12,500 sq ft to increase space for food and non-food sales and possibly a limited clothing range.

The coffee shop will be moved to the front of the store and the entrance area improved.

Moving the petrol station will provide 50 extra car parking spaces.

But across the road at St Augustine's Court John Goulding and his wife Charlie are not happy about the petrol filling station being re-sited near their home.

They are worried about the proximity of underground fuel tanks, the constant use of pumps around the clock, more traffic noise, more traffic in an area which already had road congestion, possible devaluation of property and higher insurance payments.

Mr and Mrs Goulding said they were not against Tesco improving their store but moving the filling station so close to houses would cause a serious nuisance to residents and be a threat to safety to many elderly and young people.

They were also anxious about a roundabout and a pedestrian crossing being positioned outside their home.

Mr and Mrs Goulding are promoting a petition for residents to sign, which will go to Clehonger and Belmont parish councils.

Responding to residents' fears a Tesco spokesman said full consultations were taking place with council planners and all health and safety measures would be complied with.

He understood their fears but a 'wealth' of landscaping would separate the filling station from nearby homes and he believed a roundabout and pedestrian crossing would make the road safer.

Such was the design of modern filling stations it was unlikely there would be a fuel leakage, or a problem with fumes.

If planning permission is granted it is hoped the store refurbishment would be completed by the end of the year.