A PETITION has been started in a bid to deter a chain retailer from taking up a shop on a village's high street.
Cooplands Bakery is looking to move into Alford Market Place, but it has concerned local independent businesses who are worried they won't be able to compete.
Petitions have been placed in shops and an online campaign has begun on Facebook.
Angelene Handley, from Angelene's Patisserie, said: "Why does Alford want a big shop like that, we are only a small community and we have got an awful lot of signatures in just one day.
"It's going to maybe put a few businesses out of business, we have got enough shops and cafes that do take away baps and hot filled rolls and I don't think Alford wants it."
Over the last year, Cooplands has opened up shops throughout East Lindsey, with new bakeries in Louth, Skegness, Spilsby, Mablethorpe and Horncastle.
Angelene's son, Glyn Handley, said: "Although we do want to see the empty shops being filled, we feel a shop like that will be detrimental. There's already enough food shops in Alford.
"My mum says there's no way she can compete with four sausage rolls for £1 and things like that.
"Businesses say if they slow down they will have to lay off staff.
"I've spoken to someone who said it cost a business in Mablethorpe when they opened there and another family business closed in Horncastle when Cooplands opened up.
"We are trying to get people to support the locals and also get Cooplands to look and think are we going to be wanted there?"
Mr Handley has also written to MP Sir Peter Tapsell, highlighting the concerns of local businesses.
Cooplands failed to respond to a request for a comment.
Most of the local shops in Alford have petitions available to sign and the online petition can be found at www.ipetitions.com/petition/alford-doesntneedanotherbakery
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