Residents have come out fighting for a Waitrose store in Wimbledon, despite concerns from critics it would “threaten to suck the life out of the town centre”.

Waitrose has earmarked the derelict B&Q building in Alexandra Road for the new store, which is located 400m from the Broadway and would create 150 jobs and include a 99-space car park.

Last week the Wimbledon Guardian reported how the council was appealing for the supermarket chain to find another location.

Council leader David Williams said the proposed site would drive people out of the town centre while Diana Sterck, chief executive of Merton Chamber of Commerce, said it would impact on the vitality of the area.

However residents have contacted the Wimbledon Guardian in their droves, supporting the plans for the store.

Wimbledon resident Robert Devcic wrote: “Observe Wimbledon station and you will see commuters returning with Waitrose bags from all over London. I carry mine from Marylebone High Street and would prefer to go local.”

And Francesca Carter said: “Creating jobs in a recession and reducing car journeys to the closest Waitrose stores in Wandsworth, New Malden and Sheen can only be of benefit. The sooner it's built the better.”

We want to know your views on the proposed Waitrose store with our text vote.

Send you text to 80360 starting with WAITROSE, leave a space and then type Yes to support the Waitrose plan or No to register against it.

Texts cost 25p plus your normal operator text charge. Text voting lines are now open and close 4/8/09 at 23:59. Visit newsquest.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions. Service provided by Newsquest Media Group.