PLANS for a Sainsbury's supermarket and filling station on the outskirts of Hayle were formally unveiled last week.

Details of the proposed 32,000 sq ft store, complete with 366-space car park, went on show at the Passmore Edwards Institute on Friday and Saturday.

Representatives from the supermarket giant dished out feedback forms and fielded questions from the public ahead of preparing a formal request for planning permission to Cornwall Council.

Nick Bradshaw, Sainsbury's highways consultant, said the scheme would include lane improvements and traffic lights at the Loggan's Moor roundabout.

"Parking is at a premium at West Cornwall retail park and we think our development will help alleviate this," he said.

"However, we want to promote a scheme which is accessible through all modes of transport for people to walk, cycle and take the bus."

Approximately 2,500 customers each day are expected to use the store with plans for a free bus circulating the town.

Several options are being considered to ease queuing on the westbound A30 approach with the possibility of a filter lane with traffic lights.

Spokesman Jamie Baker said the 4.8 metre-high building would be in keeping with the setting and primarily be a food store, with around 20% in household goods.

He added that the store and six-pump petrol station would provide around 200 full and part time jobs.

"Competition is good and we want to see what the public have to say," said Mr Baker.

Jeremy Joslin, chairman of the town's chamber of commerce, gave a cautious welcome to the plans but said the store would cause ' one hell of a traffic problem'.

"It is difficult enough as it is to get a fire engine into the town in summer because all the traffic is on the A30," he said.

"However, the company appears to be listening to local concerns and are even talking about contributing towards a new junction at Tolroy.

"It is a great relief to hear it is only a food store – if it compliments what we have we are happy but if it competes we are worried.

"We understand everyone want somewhere to go but we have a range of unique shops along the high street which could be lost."