HUNDREDS of residents have given an emphatic "no" to plans for a Lidl in Sanderstead.
Opposition is mounting against the supermarket's 1,300-square-metre store plan, which has been put out for consultation by Tandridge District Council.
The German chain wants to demolish the former Good Companions pub in Limpsfield Road, replacing it with a food store and 68-space car park.
Tandridge council has already been inundated with dozens of objections, while a 503-signature petition against the proposal has been collected.
On Tuesday, residents braved the rain to vent their anger at a public demonstration.
Julie Shapland is the lollipop lady in adjoining Tithepit Shaw Lane – where about 2,000 pupils attend either Warlingham School or Hamsey Green Primary School. She said: "At least two children have been in accidents in recent years.
"Having a supermarket next door, with lots more delivery lorries and shoppers' cars, will make things worse and put children in more danger."
Justin Wood, of Crewes Avenue, Warlingham, said: "We already have a Sainsbury's, a Londis and a Co-op in Warlingham – plus other Londis and Co-op stores in Hamsey Green.
"Why do we need another big store?
"It could make smaller retailers throw in the towel."
Kathryn Redington, also of Crewes Avenue, said: "We have two excellent schools here.
"If potential parents see all the traffic problems this store would bring, it could put them off sending their children here."
The head teacher at Warlingham School, Alison Woodhouse, called for a lorry ban in Tithepit Shaw Lane if the store plan proceeds.
She said: "The prospect of more lorries coming down that road at the same time that hundreds of pupils are coming out is an absolute nightmare. It really isn't wide enough to cope with this sort of traffic."
Most of the 503 signatories are from Warlingham, Whyteleafe and Caterham.
William Barker, Lidl's property portfolio manager, said: "The store will be located within the primary shopping area, and will be accessible by alternative transport methods.
"The store will enhance consumer choice in the locality and allow customers to make multi-purpose trips."
The plans have been submitted to Croydon Council.
Anyone wanting to sign an online petition against the proposals should visit the site www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions and type in Hamsey Green into the search box.