About 400 people have signed a petition opposing plans for a new convenience store in Baschurch – despite the fact it will create 24 new jobs in the village.

Residents say the new store, which would be built near Newtown Garage in the centre of the village, would hit other traders hard and said they were especially concerned it would sound the death knell for the post office.

Lancroft Developments Ltd is behind the bid.

Preliminary meetings between the applicant and the parish council have already been held, sparking villagers’ fears for the effect the new store could have on other businesses.

Residents, including those in nearby villages such as Myddle and Ruyton-XI-Towns, have united in their opposition and warned Baschurch’s post office could be forced to close if plans were passed.

Fears have also been raised about traffic and a rise in anti-social behaviour caused by groups of youths congregating around the store. The site includes Newtown bungalow, a car sales area and part of a coach depot.

It is listed as under offer online and it is understood the store would be built on a pocket of land allowing possible future development and be open seven days a week.

In a report on behalf of the applicant it says the proposed convenience store has been located back from the road to allow car parking to the front and servicing and deliveries to the side.

It says: “Up to 24 new jobs will created at the new store.

“The development will make an efficient use of this land within the development boundary of Baschurch.

“The development will provide a positive form of development that will preserve and enhance the existing village environment and provide sustainable services for the village and surrounding areas.”

It added 15 car parking spaces had been allocated to the front of the property along with off-street delivery vehicle space.

Members of the public have until December 2 to comment on the plans.

A separate application awaiting a decision from Shropshire Council for the site is for 10 homes.