RESIDENTS fighting against plans for a Tesco supermarket in their neighbourhood are taking advice from a national pressure group.

The Tescopoly alliance advises communities across the country on how to stop the company's expansion, and now people living in North Road, Darlington, have enlisted their help.

The supermarket chain applied to build a shop at the derelict Shell garage in Harrowgate Hill last week.

Local shops have collected hundreds of names for a petition which will be presented to Darlington Borough Council in the next few weeks.

Local resident Sarah Hickmans said most people living in North Road are against the store's plan because of concerns over increased traffic and the potential impact on local businesses.

"The vast majority of residents in Harrowgate Hill are against this plan for many reasons," said Ms Hickmans, who lives opposite the site. "The congestion in this area is already terrible and it will get worse if this shop is built.

"Tesco say they will be employing 20 members of staff, but where are these people going to park?

"The shop would be open from 7am to 11pm, but Tesco could easily come back a few months down the line with plans to open for 24 hours.

"We don't want to be woken up by car doors slamming every time someone wants to jump in for a packet of cigarettes.

"Also, we already have plenty of good local shops here, we don't need a chain store." Tescopoly is an alliance of organisations and residents' groups who have fought to prevent Tesco from opening new stores at sites across the country.

North Road resident Linda Atkinson has been in touch with the group through their website www.tescopoly.org

"I have been speaking to someone from Tescopoly and they have been through all of this before," she said.

"Nobody here wants a Tesco shop, and Tescopoly have been really helpful."

Tesco wants to open an Express store, with parking for 15 cars.

If the plans are approved by Darlington Borough Council, an estimated five full-time and 15 part-time jobs will be created.

Tescopoly spokeswoman Vicki Hird said: "We are a supportive network which allows people to chat and learn from each other.

"Residents in Darlington can get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to help."