It's getting spicy in curry house clash

Villagers have poured in on either side of the debate over whether to allow the new eatery to open next to the existing Evergreen takeaway in Fawley.

Planning bosses have already received petitions, with a current total of 44 signatures, opposing the use of the former hairdressing salon, pictured right, in The Square.

Among the objectors is Co Tang, owner and manager of Evergreen for the past eight years.

Residents in Linda Road have also raised concerns about the proposed development in the building owned by local businessman Rangi Singh.

Fears about festering bags of rubbish behind the store and an increase in traffic in the quiet cul-de-sac are the main reasons for the objection.

Mr Tang said: "From my point of view there is not enough business in this village for two takeaways. If the new takeaway opens it will be bad for me. Some customers have signed a petition in the shop."

Mr Singh said the matter was nothing to do with him as he was only the owner of the building proposed for the new takeaway shop.

"We want what's best for the village. It is better if the shop is used rather than empty and boarded up," he said.

He added the client who wished to open the new takeaway does not want to run a delivery service at the shop.

Rose Nash, 67, leading the petition in Linda Road, where she lives, said: "We can't have another takeaway. It's nothing to do with racism.

"I like Indian food and Chinese food. I eat once a week at Evergreen. It would have been the same if Russians had asked to open up there."

Members of Fawley Parish Council backed the planning application on the proviso conditions would be attached to protect the residents.

Chairman Alan Glass urged Mrs Nash and other protesters to speak at the New Forest District Council planning committee when the application is discussed.

A spokesman for Totton architectural firm Alastair Maclean Associates, representing applicant Mr Talukar, was unavailable for comment.