HUNDREDS of shoppers went to Tesco in Holmbush, St Austell, to view and comment on the superstore's expansion plans.

A team of Tesco officials explained the basic plans which were outlined on billboards at the store's entrance.

Under the proposals – which gained a mixed public reaction – a new car park would be built on the site currently used by Totem Timber, who are due to relocate nearby.

There are also plans for a new road system giving access to the store.

This would be governed by traffic lights instead of the current mini roundabout.

A pedestrianised walkway and footbridge are also proposed.

The supermarket, which opened in 1997, currently covers 27,000sq ft.

The plans show that the new Extra store would more than double its size to 63,000sq ft, allowing it to stock more items, including a clothing range and a film and music section.

"The bigger the store, the better," said Lee Curry, 24, of West Park, St Columb, who visits the store at least once a week with his wife Mikaela, 27, and baby son Rio.

"If there's more space then customers have a better selection of goods, and if they sort out the traffic getting in and out of the store, I am all for it," he said.

But former Cornwall County councillor, Joan Vincent, of Stenalees, was a little more pessimistic.

"I worry when stores expand about the affect it will have on the independent traders in the surrounding town and villages," she said.

Former Second World War pilot Tom Myers of Foundary Drive, Charlestown, welcomed the plans.

"Hopefully it will make the car park less congested at peak times," he said.

Tesco believes the expansion, if approved, would create around 180 jobs, which corporate affairs manager Juliette Bishop said would be targeted towards local people.

The plans suggest that the store is taking steps to becoming more eco-friendly.

A rain water harvesting system would be used to collect rainfall which could then flush toilets, as well as an energy-efficient combined heat and power plant (CHP) which, together, would cut the store's carbon emissions by around 40%.

Juliette said the plans were expected to be submitted to Cornwall Council before Christmas.

She said that overall the comments from the public had been very positive.

The plans were also on show at Polkyth Leisure Centre on Saturday.