RESIDENTS have hit out at plans for a supermarket in Fareham town centre saying it will cause traffic chaos.

An application has been lodged to build a 40,000 sq ft Tesco store on the former foundry site off of Quay Street roundabout.

Many fear it will worsen traffic problems on the already congested A32 between Gosport and Fareham, particularly as health services become more centralised in Cosham.

However, Tesco, which has already submitted a comprehensive traffic study to planners, has promised a further look at the impact on commuters.

Alison Roast, chairman of Lee Residents' Association, said: "The Lee residents have in the past raised many concerns about the Quay Street roundabout. It is critical to Gosport and is already a serious bottleneck.

"As health services are concentrated at QA it will become even more important that traffic is not unduly held up by congestion on this roundabout.

"There is no affordable way of easing this notorious bottleneck and it would be irresponsible to risk worsening the already bad situation."

Bob Squirrell, who is heading an initiative to improve Lee-on-the-Solent, added: "I'm worried about the possible consequences for the Gosport peninsular of yet another obstacle being inserted at Fareham."

Tesco's corporate affairs manager Katherine Edwards revealed that the company had carried out extensive research into the impact the proposed new store would have on traffic.

She said: "It wouldn't be in our interest to get that wrong. If people find it difficult getting to the store, they won't ever come back again. This is an issue that will be looked at throughout our negotiations."