�Ambitious plans to create a new supermarket have divided Tufnell Park residents.

Rick and Jay Patel want to open a Budgens in Campdale Road, off Tufnell Park Road, by merging their current Londis store with four other shops.

Some fear it could lead to traffic chaos while others believe the development could regenerate the area.

In March, the Tuffnell Park Road residents group raised concerns about the large signage displays destroying the character of the area and existing problems with parked lorries and double parking.

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Speaking in favour of the plans, resident Gerald Jennings said: “We desperately need something like this to revitalise the area which would bring people in and give retailers a boost.

“It would be great for residents, particularly older ones, who currently have to traipse down to the Nag’s Head for shopping which is not a suitable �option.”

Hoodwinked

Jay Patel, 55, who has traded in Campdale Road for more than 30 years, will continue to sell products for the same company, Musgrave Retail Partners GB which owns the Budgens and Londis brands.

He continued: “Budgens is family orientated with more choice, which is good for local people. The prices will be cheaper and in line with Tesco. Those residents unhappy have been hoodwinked into thinking there will be too much traffic and rubbish may not be removed which I believe will not be the case.”

Mr Patel has applied for a Certificate of Lawfulness from Islington Council to complete internal refurbishment on the five Campdale Road units.

Cllr Paul Convery, Islington Council’s executive member for planning, regeneration and transport, said the council has sought legal advice on whether to approve the certificate or request a change of use planning application.

He added: “We normally discourage this kind of amalgamation because we want to maintain independent shops and have a reasonably diverse mix of retail, particularly in these shopping arcades.”