A shop owner says she is fighting for her business which is under threat from another big name store.

Dabinder Sunsoa, owner of Sunsoa Convenient Store, has launched a petition to stop a Co-operative store opening up near the Goodrest Tavern, and her business, which is already facing tough times thanks to big names in the retail world.

Mrs Sunsoa, who has run the Gillem Street shop with her husband for 16 years, said: "Aldi and Asda, down in Lowesmoor are effecting us badly already. Another big name coming here could finish us off, so I am concerned for my business.

"I am very passionate about this shop. We've put a lot of work into it and I love working here.

"We know so many people here. We've seen paper rounds boys become parents and we still talk to them.

"Shops like ours have a real touch with the local residents. We have built a reputation with everyone here.

"We do not need more supermarkets in our local communities, which are built on relationships and emotions between the people who live in them.

"I am fighting for my rights to keep my business going."

Around 200 people have signed the petition, which can be signed at the convenience store or the nearby Costcutters.

Mrs Sunsoa said she will take the petition to Worcester's City planning meeting on March, 19, and raise her concerns over the application with councillors there.

She also says the loss of independent traders will mean Worcester will lose its identity as a faithful city , and that more delivery vehicles on the roads will create more dangerous traffic, as the roads around Gillem Street are very narrow- especially at school run times.

The Co-operative says the move will enhance the shopping experience.

Rob Bignold, head of acquisitions and new store development, said: “By building a new community store alongside the Goodrest Tavern, the Co-op will ensure the pub continues to serve the local community and enhances the shopping experience for residents.

“Increasingly, pubs are seeing the benefits of trading alongside convenience stores, and we are confident that this development will be beneficial to the residents of Worcester, the Goodrest Tavern pub and customers.”

The Worcester News revealed the £1 million plan to build the Co-operative store next to the pub back in October, which has been billed as a first for the city.

It could be built on part of the pub's car park, as the idea is to utilise surplus space, such as car parks.

20 full and part-time jobs are also expected to be created if the store opens.

NewRiver Retail, which purchased the pub from Marston's and is also behind the move, declined to comment.