Angry local residents say the decision to turn down the company's proposed 6m superstore at the Manor West retail park will mean the loss of 100 potential jobs and could result in the retailer now opting to open at an alternative location in the county.

A telephone poll conducted by Radio Kerry indicated 100% public support for the proposal. Tralee Chamber of Commerce says it would welcome a u-turn from the council to allow M&S into Manor West.

The business group says it has always been supportive of the firm coming to Tralee.

The council has responded to the public outcry by reopening talks with company representatives with the aim of drawing up revised proposals for a new store in the town.

Councillors voted not to support the material contravention of planning regulations necessary to facilitate the construction of the proposed store.

One of the conditions under which planning permission was originally granted for the retail park was a stipulation that none of the retail units would be sub divided or amalgamated.

The proposed M&S store would necessitate the amalgamation of three existing units and the construction of a twostorey, 28ft high extension. Serious concerns have also been expressed at the possible effect the proposed store would have on town-centre shopping.

"The reason we took this decision was because of the fear that the heart of the town centre would be at a loss. But there has been a major backlash against that decision and I've been hearing it on the doorsteps, " says town councillor and Labour general election candidate Terry O'Brien.

"So we've looked again at the situation and we've been in discussions with senior people in Marks & Spencer with a view to resolving the issue."

One proposal now under consideration is the possibility of M&S opening a small food store in the town centre in tandem with a larger general store in the retail park.

"I'm confident the company will come back to us with new proposals for a store in Manor and a satellite store in the town centre. I would expect those plans to be announced in the next few weeks, though not before the general election, " O'Brien says.

The 40m Manor West retail park was developed by Boyle Brothers and is anchored by Roches Stores and Tesco, each with premises of over 4,646sq m.

Other major traders who have signed up include Lifestyle Sports, Harry Corry Interiors, Woodies, Mothercare and Esat.

The park also boasts a Bewleys restaurant.

The recent decision by An Bord Pleanala to give the green light for a retail development on the former Torc Great Southern Hotel site in Killarney has fuelled fears in Tralee that Marks & Spencer might now opt to locate in the tourist town instead.

"I don't see that happening, " says county councillor Toireasa Ni Fhearaiosa. "I don't think Killarney would represent the same degree of commercial viability for the company. If you look at where Tralee is situated you can see that a store there could serve all of Kerry and Limerick too. A store in Killarney wouldn't be accessible to the same degree.

"While I understand concerns about the viability of the town centre, particularly if such a high-profile retailer opts to locate at Manor, I have to say I was still disappointed at the council's decision. I do think this issue should have been teased out properly before a decision was taken. Both Dunnes and Tesco have small stores in the centre of Tralee and larger premises on the outskirts of town and I'm confident that something along those lines will solve the Marks & Spencer controversy."

Marks a& Spencer owns 13 stores in the Republic. New stores are due to open soon in Letterkenny, Tallaght and Athlone. A spokesperson said that at this stage the company had no comment to make on the Kerry controversy.