Campaigners against a new Sainsbury’s have vowed to keep fighting against the supermarket that was granted an alcohol licence last week.

The community launched a battle against the food retailer, which hopes to set up a shop at the corner of Teddington High Street and Langham Road, where Calligaris furniture shop is located.

Police withdrew their objection to the licence application after Sainsbury’s agreed to reduce the hours it can sell alcohol and comply with a list of 14 conditions.

After the meeting, Teddington resident Vici King said: “We are disappointed by the verdict of the licensing hearing and feel our arguments were undermined by the police withdrawing their objection.

“However, it’s not the end of the campaign and we firmly believe we have a strong case against the planning application.”

Dozens of people packed in to the public gallery of Richmond Council chamber for the licensing meeting at York House, Twickenham, on Thursday, April 11.

Objectors including residents, traders and representatives from Teddington Business Community (TBC) spoke against the application and criticised the retailer for its lack of consultation.

They said the concentration of licensed outlets in the area could lead to more crime and antisocial behaviour and raised fears about traffic congestion, lack of parking, loss of trade and increased pollution.

A solicitor spoke on behalf of Sainsbury’s and tried to reassure the audience that the supermarket was a responsible retailer and did not want to attract antisocial behaviour.

He said: “Hearing what has been said it does seem some five years ago there were problems of youth gathering and vagrants.

“There is no reason to believe that Sainsbury’s opening will bring that problem back.”

Councillors granted Sainsbury’s a licence to sell alcohol from 8am to 10pm seven days a week but the supermarket still has to receive planning permission from the council before it can open.

Alison Davey from TBC said: “While disappointed with the decision made by the licensing committee, the TBC were pleased that Sainsbury's was taken to task regarding the lack of consultation with us and with Teddington residents.

“Should Sainsbury's gain planning consent with long licensing hours, it would take vital trade away from Teddington’s existing licensed premises.

“We will appeal this decision and continue to lobby against the planning application.”

Licensing Sergeant Mark Halton said: “I believe that police have worked with the applicant in achieving a proportionate adjustment to their original application.

“Sainsbury's is a highly respected company which will work closely with the police to ensure that its operation will not have any negative impact on the licensing objectives.

“I hope this helps in reassuring the residents that the police have worked hard in achieving a proportionate balance for all concerned.”