SANDBANKS traders have spoken out against the “aggressive sales techniques” used by the controversial new Tesco store in ‘Millionaires Row’.

The Tesco store in Shore Road, which has sparked a wave of protest, opened with free Champagne on July 9 and free rickshaw rides over the Sandbanks Polo weekend.

The owner of Sandbanks Stores, Karen Denham, said the three rickshaws and £4 vouchers took valuable business away from local shops and restaurants and caused traffic congestion. She said: “This aggressive sales technique is really hurting the small local businesses. We just can’t compete with a giant like Tesco. I would say 99.9 per cent of locals are upset about it.

“The rickshaws were also seriously slowing traffic down as they are wide and difficult to overtake.”

Gary Willingham, the owner of FC Watersports said: “It does seem unfair on the local businesses which sell similar products and the rickshaws caused traffic problems on an already busy road.”

Around 425 people signed the petition against the shop, which states that residents are ‘far from happy to be next to and/ or looking out onto a Tesco Express’.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We’re delighted with our first week in Sandbanks.

“Customers have been extremely positive about the new store and how well we fit in with the area.

“We had a rickshaw for a couple of days last week which customers loved, just as part of the opening celebrations.”