Asda's plans will go on show to the public next month

Traders in Killay, Mumbles, Sketty and West Cross say smaller shops could be affected by a loss of business.

The company first submitted a planning application for the scheme more than a year ago and is to hold an exhibition of its proposals.

The site is near some of the more expensive properties in the city and residents fear it will lead to traffic problems. They also have concerns about flooding.

Traders in Killay, Sketty, Mumbles and West Cross are concerned that they will not be able to stand the competition Kate Wynds

On 5 and 6 March Asda will unveil its detailed plans for the development at an exhibition at the Vivian Hall in Blackpill.

Campaigners opposed to the scheme are also renewing their efforts, and signatures have been collected at shop counters against the scheme and the Blackpill, Derwen Fawr & Mayals Residents' Association has just launched a website.

Increased congestion

Kate Wynds, of the association, said there were three main issues for the objectors.

"The people who are opposed to it west of Blackpill and going towards Gower object because of the increase in congestion this would bring to the Mumbles Road."

She said those living in Derwen Fawr and Sketty believe they will also be affected with an increase in traffic through their estates.

"Traders in Killay, Sketty, Mumbles and West Cross are concerned that they will not be able to stand the competition," added Ms Wynds.

Floodplain

Another issue is potential flooding as the nearby sports fields and meadow are prone to becoming waterlogged after heavy downpours.

Asda is proposing to create an over-flow pond for the nearby brook that would collect excess water, filter it and only release it once the dangers of flooding had past.

But Ms Wynds said: "The residents' association feels that the land is floodplain and Government and Environment Agency guidelines are there should be no building on floodplains."

Simon Hoare of Asda said he hoped as many people as possible would attend the exhibition to make up their own minds.

He said a study on the impact of nearby traders had been carried out and the company believed it would benefit businesses in the west of the city.

"The crux of our retail argument is that people living to the west of Swansea have no option but to go into the city centre or to the east to do their shopping."

He said it would keep shoppers in the west and they would then be more likely to visit other shops on their doorstep.