A petition against Costa Coffee opening in Cromer has been launched by the town's business chamber.

It comes just weeks after the firm was urged to rethink its plans to open up a new outlet in Cromer amid fears the national chain would 'swamp' the seaside resort and sink independent traders.

President of the chamber Gary Dickenson said: ''Whilst this is a petition that might appear to say 'No' to Costa it's actually very much a big 'Yes' to the wonderful array of existing independent tea/coffee/eatery businesses in Cromer.

'We're hoping our local community will get behind this petition and say yes to supporting the existing businesses in the town by saying thanks, but no thanks to Costa.

'Many people say Cromer isn't like other high streets and that's the magical charm that it can offer over and above other high street towns - that's the reason so many people keep coming back.

'Our focus is now on promoting the independent coffee shops and challenging and educating shoppers to be brave and try independent goods, coffee and tea in this case, rather than default to well-known brands.'

Last month North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb raised his concerns about the proposals in a letter to managing director Jason Cotta.

He warned the chain, which looks set to move in to 61-63 Church Street, currently home to charity shops Sue Ryder and Cancer Research, that it could affect its image as a socially responsible business.

In his letter, Mr Lamb writes: 'Cromer is now unusual in this country in having no chain coffee shops or eating places. This is part of the wonderful attraction that Cromer offers to people and there is a very strong feeling locally that they want to preserve this.

'They are deeply concerned about the size of your proposed coffee shop. With over 90 covers, the real concern is that this could completely swamp the town and take vital business away from locally run coffee shops putting them at serious risk.'

Earlier this summer, Cromer Town Council revealed it was powerless to reject the plans for Costa.

To sign and get more information then visit http://cromerchamber.org.uk/no-thanks-costa/