A new group has been set up to co-ordinate local opposition to plans for Tesco supermarket to create a new store in Railway Road, Ilkley.

The Ilkley Residents Against Tesco Encroachment (IRATE) said said: "We are a group of like-minded Ilkley people who have a determination to ensure our town maintains a reasonable balance in both trade and the environment.

"In principle, we have no problem with Tesco, we just want them not to be so greedy and would welcome them to stay where they are."

The group is drafting a petition against the development and hopes to set up a website to co-ordinate activities.

Because of the increased local interest in the plans, Ilkley Parish Council chairman Heathcliffe Bowen and parish council planning committee chairman Kate Brown have issued a joint statement. It says: "Ilkley Parish Council is fully aware that there are many concerns regarding Tesco's wish to relocate and expand their Ilkley store.

"Very little detail however has yet been offered to us, just the input to a basic consultation process from Tesco.

"No formal planning application has been made. We will of course fully investigate and scrutinise any plan put forward by Tesco as it could well have a huge impact on the area."