ST. ALBANS — Hundreds of people in Franklin County say they want a new Walmart store built in St. Albans.

And they held a rally Saturday where they were urged to persuade opponents to drop their appeals and let construction begin.

Walmart supporter Bob Hughes of St. Albans says gas costs too much for residents to make the drive to the Williston Walmart.

Developer Jeff Davis says the 14 permits needed to begin construction have been issued, but six of the permits have been appealed by four groups.

The giant retailer hopes to build a 160,000-square-foot store north of downtown St. Albans.

One opponent is the Northwest Citizens for Responsible Growth. Spokeswoman Sue Prent says they want a smaller store closer to downtown.