VILLAGERS and business owners are fighting to stop a “faceless” high street coffee chain opening a new branch in Pangbourne.

Costa Coffee has submitted a planning application to West Berkshire Council to install a shop at 8 Reading Road, at the site of the former village pet store, but residents fear this will drive business away from independent traders.

The village has seen a drop in business since the closure of the Whitchurch Bridge in September for reconstruction — which was delayed due to bad weather at the start of the year.

Dawfydd Williams, who owns Food Kick with his wife Rhianon, has started an online petition, Say No to Costa Coffee in Pangbourne.

He labelled the proposed branch a “marketing stunt” and said: “I understand that sometimes they move in to create brand awareness.

“They are going to pay £32,000 a year, plus rates, plus a shop fit. They have made an offer the landlord simply can’t refuse. They say it will make more jobs, but people could lose jobs if there’s a detrimental effect on the other coffee shops.

“They don’t do fresh food like we do, and only have a couple of people making coffee, and a couple heating paninis — it’s not many jobs. We want to see more retail shops, not another food outlet.”

More than 175 people have signed the petition, with many believing the village has enough restaurants and cafes to accommodate its population of 3,000.

Kate White posted: “Please keep Pangbourne as it is. These big companies are taking over and making places faceless.

“At the moment Pangbourne still has some character. Please don’t ruin it.”

Alan and Pat Sheppard have lived in the village for 44 years and have known Mr Williams for a decade. Mr Sheppard, a former train driver, said: “If it comes, it comes, but I will continue to support Dawfydd and the village.

“We’re not a big village and we have three coffee shops in the first place.”

Costa franchisee Emilio Aleo, who is behind the proposal, said: “We’re offering an alternative that can up the game of everyone else. From experience it has been well received and we would want to get behind community events.”

Visit www.ipetitions.com/petition/say-no-to-costa-coffee-in-pangbourne to sign.