ANGRY Littleport residents have launched a fight to stop a major new service station being built near their homes. They are appalled that the £1 million plus project could be built close to homes. Now the petition will be handed in to Littleport Parish Co

ANGRY Littleport residents have launched a fight to stop a major new service station being built near their homes.

They are appalled that the £1 million plus project could be built close to homes.

Now the petition will be handed in to Littleport Parish Council at its meeting on Monday which will be attended by a number of protesters.

They fear the plan which will include a petrol station, convenience store, also serving hot food and salads to take away, a lorry park to prevent drivers using lay-bys overnight and around 20 parking spaces will generate extra noise day and night.

The scheme for Wisbech Road has been outlined by leading businessman, Jonathan James, who with his wife, Rebecca, who runs two service stations in Chatteris, the BP garage in Ely which was opened in 2002 and Budgens supermarket in Soham.

The four sites employ a total of 106 workers.

His new development will offer the most up-to-date forecourt facilities in the country and create 30 new jobs.

But residents in nearby Meadow Court fear disruption on a daily basis.

Mike Goodall, of Meadow Court said: "Littleport already has two petrol stations and many take-away food outlets; there is no need for more.

"Another such site would undoubtedly add to the litter problem in our village.

"The opening of a complex like this would also have an adverse effect on the profitability of the existing businesses in the village. Although it is estimated that up to 30 new part-time jobs would be created, how many jobswould be lost due to the closure of the businesses affected by loss of trade by this project?

"If this project were ever given the go ahead it would result in a substantial loss of value of the properties in Meadow Court; who wants to buy a house with a Petrol Station, Lorry Park and Food Outlet at the bottom of the garden?

"This may appear to be a useful and desirable project, but it is being planned for a totally unsuitable site; far too close to residential property."

Mr James said: "We have made no formal planning application to East Cambridgeshire District Council at this stage. Our meeting with Littleport Parish Council was just part of the ongoing public consultation.