BATTLELINES are being drawn up over plans to build a replacement Morrisons Supermarket in Horsforth.

The supermarket chain, which is currently negotiating for the takeover of rival Safeways, wants to build a new store to replace its out of date Town Street store.

The scheme also includes a two storey car park and restaurant and a new Conservative Club, to replace the building which will be swallowed up by the new development.

Morrisons, which says the new store will create 150 new jobs, says it wants to improve shopping facilities in Horsforth.

But residents and councillors, although agreeing that the store needs to be updated, believe the scheme is too big.

Councillor Chris Townsley (Lib Dem, Horsforth) said: "The current store is an old one and needs to be brought up to modern standards, but you can't get a quart into a pint pot."

And he claimed there were huge concerns about the proposals - mainly because of potential traffic problems and how the new buildings would look.

"The store, although badly needed, will create far more vehicular movements than can be catered for. The idea is to construct a two tier car park, which from Church Avenue will look hideous, a huge gaping hole which will be totally out of character with its surroundings.

"We are already experiencing major traffic problems in the area, which is why a Road Traffic Order for the whole are is being drawn up."

Included in the plan is the demolition of the neighbouring Conserv-ative Club.

Coun Townsley said: "The club's existing main building and bowling