The mayor believes there could be a "secret agenda" against a shopping parade following the announcement of two new stores in a nearby retail centre.

Earlier this week The Guardian reported that Home Bargains was destined for the Epping Forest Shopping Park, with Boots heavily rumoured to take the final empty unit.

Given the proliferation of budget stores and a Boots on the nearby Broadway, the move concerned many backers of Debden's historic shopping parade, who feared more trade could be lost to the council backed shopping park.

In their number was Stephen Murray, veteran councillor and mayor of Loughton.

He said: "In my mind this news means yet a further blow to the Broadway as a shopping parade.

"These two retail outlets will be in direct competition with existing shops in the Broadway - something the district council assure us would not happen.

"I will be renewing my efforts with the acting chief executive, the leader of council and the relevant portfolio holder to carry out a planned assessment as regards the steps needed to be taken by the council to ensure the long term economic future of the Broadway shopping parade.

"Or is there some secret council agenda to see the demise of this parade?

"This is a view held by many local residents and some retailers, a view I have resisted up to now from agreeing with however with this news I am beginning to have serious doubts."

Traders along The Broadway were less reserved in their opposition to the move.

Tom Barwick, who owns World of Pets, said the competition brought by Home Bargain - which enjoys three years rent free like all tenants of the Shopping Park - would be the "nail in the coffin" for his business.

He added: "The Tory government said it would back small businesses, but all we are seeing is support for the corporates.

"They don't care about us at all."

Debbie Cranfield, who runs Ice Events, fears far more could be lost if traders in addition to Sprays Bakeries, Pirates Den and Save the Children are forced to close as a general dip in turnover coincides with a recent rent hike by the council.

She said: "We are a community here.

"We look after each other and we help each other out.

"It is not just the street, it is the community that they are closing down. What a legacy that would be for them."

A spokesperson for Epping Forest District Council said: "There is no secret agenda. We are pleased to say the shopping park is proving to be very successful. We also have strong demand for shops in the Broadway.

"As the owner of the Broadway, it is completely in the Council’s interest to continue to encourage commercial success for both."