THE owner of Budgens in Flackwell Heath says he is “finished” if Sainsbury's is allowed to open a store in the village.

Wycombe District Council is currently considering plans to bulldoze the empty Green Man pub and open two stores on the site, one of which would be a Sainsbury's Local.

Budgens, which is on Straight Bit, is currently the biggest store in the village and would be in direct competition with the store.

Vic Grewal, 48, who owns the franchise, said: “Budgens has been in Flackwell for more than 20 years and I bought the store about three years ago.

“We are just about keeping our heads above water now and this would kill us off. As soon as Sainsbury's come I'm finished, there's no way I'll be able to survive.

“The whole high street is very very concerned. We are going to fight this tooth and nail.”

He added he would expect sales to drop by about 30 per cent if Sainsbury's moved in.

Budgens has many loyal customers and supporters and several have already objected to the plans.

Lee Brown, of Highfield Road, said: “The end result can only be that Budgens shut-up-shop. There's nothing to be gained for the village, and much to be lost...”

Jeremy Bailey, of Fennels Way, said: “After losing the greengrocers, butchers etc, we are in serious danger of losing our Post Office, Mr P's newsagents & video shop, Budgens, Rounds, Unit 4 & the chemist.

“These shops serve in keeping the majority of local money spent in them local... they are a vital link and all well liked within the community.”

However, others are welcoming the proposal such as Louise Mungrue, who lives on Straight Bit. The 30-year-old said: “I think the news of a Sainsbury's coming to Flackwell Heath is excellent news.

“I do appreciate that it will affect the business of some smaller stores, but in this current economic climate, Sainsbury's would be far more beneficial for most families, especially those on low incomes.”

She added that she presently drives to Sainsbury's in Beaconsfield for her weekly shop.

The Green Man closed last year and is owned by Enterprise Inns, which has put forward the planning application.

Sainsbury's has declined to comment.