And owners of the threatened allotments are not impressed by the promise to replace them with new ones.

Up to nine allotments could disappear under the car park and road to a proposed supermarket in Hadleigh.

Valerie Barber, 67, a member of the Bridge Street Allotment Association, stands to lose the plot she has nurtured for 42 years if Tesco is given the go-ahead. She said: "I've worked on this plot since 1966 and now my grandson helps me.

"It gives me tremendous pleasure and food year-round, with all the extra produce going to friends and family. You can't just pick a bit of land elsewhere and start growing. It takes years of hard work.

"It will be devastating to lose this, not just for me, but other allotment holders and the town in general."

Mrs Barber, who has lived in Hadleigh since 1963, says she was appalled by Tesco's attitude to the allotment area, which it described as "intrusive and having an adverse effect on the otherwise visual amenity of the river walk".

"I can't see how a road and a car park will improve things," she added.

Brian Dicks said Tesco's offer of moving plots to another site completely missed the point.

He said: "We are trying to grow organic fruit and vegetables here. As you can see we are away from roads and traffic congestion.

"If Tesco builds here, a road packed with cars and delivery lorries will be passing through just feet from us, covering out produce with fumes and pollution.

"I'm not against Tesco coming here but it should be on the by-pass or the industrial site, not at the expense of losing more of our green spaces and polluting allotments."

Louise Carpenter, chairman of the allotment association, said they would be fighting any Tesco plan that affected the allotments.

She said: "This is a statutory allotment site owned by the town council, and any change to this would have to amend the 1908 Allotment and Smallholding Act.

"There is also the issue of the abundant wildlife in the area and we are seeking advice from wildlife organisations."

Michael Kissman, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said he recognised the hard work and dedication of people who worked on allotments and gave an assurance that anyone affected would be provided with a new plot.

He said: "No allotments will be lost, but unfortunately some will be moved, and we will be happy to meet and discuss these issues with all those concerned.

"We will work with them on the best soil for new plots and will bring in professional help if needed to ensure allotment holders get the best possible growing conditions."

Tesco bought the former Brett Works site from Babergh District Council.

A planning application was submitted last month and the supermarket company is waiting on a decision by Babergh for permission to develop the site.

jonathan.schofield@sudburytoday.co.uk