LANDMARK Halesowen dealership Streetbike is moving premises leaving residents fretting a fast food restaurant and supermarket will move into the Mucklow Hill building.

The nationally renowned bike dealership opened its doors in 2000 and is moving to the old Comet building on Halesowen's "car dealership row" - Dudley Road.

Streetbike director Gary Marshall said: "We are really looking forward to the move, which should be in December, we are moving to the old Comet building which is more suitable for our needs.

"Business is going well but because of the popularity of online sales there is less need for such a big showroom.

"We are taking all our employees with us and our facilities will be the same, complete with cafe and training store, and hopefully we will bring a bit of vitality to that part of Halesowen."

He added: "We will rejuvenate what has been an empty and somewhat depressing building since Comet left as there has been fly tipping, graffiti and over flow car parking from surrounding local businesses.

"The relocation is a positive thing for Streetbike and the move is fully supported by all of our major suppliers including Yamaha and Suzuki."

A planning application has been submitted to Dudley Council applying for a change of use of the two storey building on the corner of Mucklow Hill and Long Lane.

The Heedgrove Limited application states: "The proposed development, will have three potential distinct separate uses, will enhance and improve the visual appearance of the current site and provide further vitality to this area.

However, Long Lane, Mucklow Hill and Greenhill Road residents are determined to stop any proposal which will cause traffic havoc.

Bip Patel said: "I feel that the local community needs to be made aware of this possible change as it will have great impact to the locality, including increasing traffic and causing other problems."

Halesowen North Councillor Jeff Hill said: "I have already collected over 80 signatures from local residents and businesses fighting these proposals.

"The traffic is already very heavy around the island by the Stag and Three Horseshoes and we are worried the extended hours of a supermarket and fast food outlet will cause disruption to everyone in the area."

He added: "We fought and won the proposal to close The Swan and replace it with a supermarket and we will hopefully will do the same with this plan."