A CAMPAIGN to save the shops in St Margarets could be launched as traders and residents fear that changes in the high street could be the death knell' for local shops.

The moves follow the news that Kobler's the bakers is to close after more than 100 years, shortly after the closure of Phelps, the antique and furniture business.

Olivers the grocers ceased trading this week, making way for a Tesco Express store and rumours are rife that Sainsbury's is about to move into the Phelps premises.

The Green Party has written to local Conservative councillors as well as Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians to suggest a joint campaign to save the local shops in St Margarets. They fear that this will be the death knell for the many local shops in the area unless there is a concerted joint political effort to support local traders.

Green Party candidate and St Margarets resident, Judy Maciejowska said: "Local shops are the life blood of our community and the loss of any more will destroy the diversity and uniqueness of St Margarets.

"Not only do the local businesses give an excellent service, but they are the focal point for the community. You can pop out for a loaf of bread, bump into old friends, chat to shopkeepers, or simply catch up on the latest news. Such things are precious these days and to lose them in St Margarets would impoverish all our lives."

They are calling on the council to provide more help for existing traders who have proposals for recycling schemes and rubbish collection, the problems of buses using Crown Road on rugby days, and problems with car parking and deliveries.

They also want a joint political approach to protect the area from competing retail chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury's or Starbucks. Judy Maciejowska added: "Although there is little to stop a multinational from taking over a similar existing business I am asking Conservative councillors to use all their powers to protect the shops we have from unfair competition.

They can refuse planning applications for any change of use; refuse licences to sell alcohol and liaise with the local shopkeepers to help their businesses flourish. I'm sure that if we all work together we can make progress, but if this becomes a party political battle the only losers will be the people of St Margarets."