A STREET market is taking on the might of a supermarket giant and wants to hear people's views.

Manningtree has held a market in the town for more than 800 years.

But now, the recent announcement Tesco wants to open a superstore in the town has forced traders into action.

Market traders say they have seen off threats of changing shopping habits, including internet shopping, car boot sales and disappearing local services like banks and buses, but they say the opening of a supermarket could finally signal the end.

At Friday and Saturday's markets, stalls will be polling shoppers.

They want them to answer a simple question: do you want Tesco in your town?

Les Stubbs, market manager in Manningtree, said: "This is one of the few successful markets in the region and many traders only use this because of the continued support of local people.

"Now we need to know what they think - I am hoping all the people who shop here and anyone else who cares what happens here will make it clear where they stand and sign the poll."

Mr Stubbs said the poll would provide the opportunity to answer 'yes' or 'no' so he can gauge a true opinion of the direction locals want to see the town take.

He said: "Many of the traders here have said they will pack up if Tesco open. They have seen this happen across the county and it usually results in trade falling away.

"If enough people say 'no' we are in a position to challenge the store being opened, but it is down to people to come forward and make their voice heard either way."

Manningtree Market turned its fortunes around by changing trading days and providing more choice but he warned the success story could turn sour if a supermarket opened.

The market poll follows a similar questionnaire sent out by Manningtree's Liberal Democrats.

Of the 3,000 sent out, only 180 have been returned so far. 110 people said a new Tesco supermarket would be bad for the town while 70 thought it would benefit the town.

Shoppers can sign the poll at Manningtree Market every Friday and Saturday.

Tesco representatives will be at the next Manningtree Town Council meeting on Thursday, March 15, at 7.30pm in the Methodist Hall.

Fore more see page three of today's Manningtree and Harwich Standard.