Sainsbury's sets sights on oasis for local shops

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Sainsbury's plans to open a branch in Salusbury Road, Queen's Park. Traders fear it will spark a rush to the north London neighbourhood by the "clone" chains that have taken over most other shopping centres in the capital.

The Evening Standard's Save Our Small Shops campaign aims to stem the trend towards bland uniformity.

Salusbury Road is unusual in that only three big businesses - Starbucks, Threshers and Tote bookmakers - are represented on a strip of more than 40 shops, cafés and restaurants.

Sainsbury's has tried before to get a foothold in the rapidly gentrifying area. But this time it has not had to apply to Brent council - the premises already has planning permission for a shop.

Nick Mash, owner of Salusbury Food Store and the Salusbury Pub and Dining Room, said: "People who run cornershops and minimarts are going to be badly hurt. They are lovely people who've been here a long time. There is a sense of community.

"The problem is rents are going crazy. With the economic climate the way it is, we're going to end up with a tatty little high street." Joanna Parry, co-owner of Jack's café, said: "Queen's Park is unique, with a friendly village atmosphere. We are extremely concerned that bakers, butchers, delicatessens, newsagents and convenience stores will be forced to close."

The 3,000 sq ft Sainsbury's Local store is expected to open by the autumn. A company spokeswoman said: "We work hard to make sure our shops are a positive influence. Our convenience stores are small - we've found they tend to encourage people to shop locally."