WHILE more supermarkets could boost competition will it hurt the high streets?

Martyn Donn, owner of Leam’s Laces in High Street, Dovercourt, said another supermarket was unlikely to have an effect on the high street but could encourage more people into the town.

He said: “With the proposed supermarket it provides work for the local people and where you work is where you will shop."

Jenine Collier, owner of Creatively Crafty in Manningtree, said: “I personally don’t think Tesco will enhance the high street like everybody says."