A petition to prevent the eviction of ten Penryn businesses and their replacement with a massive discount retailer at Kernick Road has been launched.

The traders have said they are afraid that if they lose their tenancy at the site, which is the subject of a planning application for a 12,500 square metre Home Bargains store, there is nowhere else in the Falmouth and Penryn area for them to go, and they will be forced to close or relocate to another town.

The petition states: "This will result in over 10 small local business having to lose there current premises with no location to move to, it will also see the other small local companies that supply services in the immediate area out priced by the larger competitors. This is unfair and unnecessary."

Speaking to the Packet last week, boat builder Steve Pease said: "We're small fry, but we contribute as well: Earning a living, paying tax, employing people, and we offer a service to local people.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of Cornwall's economy."

The application has also received ten objections on Cornwall Council's planning website.

To view and sign the petition, visit www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-our-local-businesses.html