MORE than 3,000 people have signed petitions against plans to turn a popular Derby restaurant into a shop.
The Raj restaurant has been running in a building in Kedleston Road, Allestree, owned by Midlands Co-operative since 1996.
But, in November, the owner was told the Co-operative wanted to turn the building into a shop.
Now customers and friends of the restaurant, which employs 15 people, have launched a massive campaign calling on the city council to reject a planning application for work to make the change.
So far, more than 1,100 people have signed an online petition and manager Freddy Ahmed says the total including those on paper petitions is more than 3,000.
He said: "When they told us what was planned, it was a big shock. We have spent an awful lot of money on this restaurant and now was the time that we were hoping to make that back.
"It would take ages to recover the money (if we moved). It's not like you go elsewhere and all the customers follow you there. It would take time to build it up again. There's no guarantee people would keep their jobs."
He said new additions to the restaurant since it opened had included a kitchen, bar, and baking area.
Among those making comments on the online petition was Kat Clifford, who said: "What do we need three Co-ops in Allestree for? Keep it as it is!"
And Chris May, who works at the Markeaton Pub, Kedleston Road, said: "A lot of our regulars choose to drink at the pub before going for a curry. If it closes, I worry that the pub will lose custom."
Mr Ahmed said negotiations with the Co-operative were still ongoing and he was still "hopeful" it would change its mind.
The lease came to an end in 2009 but the Co-operative said the Raj could stay put.
A spokesman from Midlands Co-operative said: "We are currently in discussions regarding the Allestree site.
"As a result of our decision not to renew his lease, the owner will be entitled to substantial statutory compensation to assist him with relocating to alternative premises.
"We are aware that he has a following in the area and hope that he will be able to re-establish his business and serve the local community."
The planning application for the work is currently due to be decided on January 22 and also has 27 letters of objection against it.
A document as part of the application says the change would see the building turned into a new "3,385 sq ft convenience store for Midlands Co-op, comprising 2,200 sq ft sales floor and 1,185 sq ft associated back of house".
The organisation wants to install a new shop front, ATM and two staff parking bays. The document adds: "In terms of the overall design, the proposals will have little if any effect on the overall appearance."
