Weston-super-Mare residents: 'We need our local pub, not another Tesco'

Supermarket giant Tesco could soon set up shop on the site of an empty pub in Weston-super-Mare.

The retailer confirmed this week it has held initial discussions with Enterprise Inns who own the Bristol House at Milton Road about the possibility of taking over the site for a Tesco Express.

The pub, which has been part of the local community since the 1930s, closed last week, much to the disappointment of its band of locals.

A spokeswoman for Tesco said: "We have had initial discussions with Enterprise Inns but as yet no lease has been agreed for the site.

"It is likely that any store would be a Tesco Express.

"As there have only been initial discussions we have no further detail."

Residents living in the area say they are angry that their local pub has closed and say there is no need for a Tesco when there are already three convenience stores nearby. People are now considering whether to launch a petition to fight off any moves by Tesco to set up shop on the site.

Resident Mark Thyer said the pub was a focal point for the local community, especially for elderly people who could walk there.

Mr Thyer, 57, said: "A lot of older people rely on the pub as a place to socialise and there is no other pub in walking distance for them.

"If they can't go there and have a chat with their friends, where are they going to go?

"Making the pub into a Tesco store will just isolate the community from one another and mean that anyone who wants to go for a drink will either have to drive or get a taxi.

"There are three convenience stores in the same area and I cannot see there is a need for a Tesco here.

"Other local shops in the vicinity, like the local butchers, are also going to suffer if a Tesco opens."

Mr Thyer, a salesman, added: "Milton Road is also very busy and there have already been a number of serious and fatal accidents along here.

"An additional supermarket will only increase the amount of traffic and make the road even more dangerous.

"People around here are very concerned about a Tesco store being built on the site and consideration is already being given to getting a petition together to object to any change of use planning application."

There is already a large Tesco supermarket in the town centre plus several Tesco Express shops across the resort, including on The Broadway, Boulevard and at Locking Castle.

Local businessman Nigel Parker, 50, runs three Good Days News stores in Weston with his brothers Tony and Adrian – including one just a few hundred metres away from the Bristol House pub.

Mr Parker said: "If Tesco opened on Milton Road it would have a devastating effect on our business which has served the community for over 20 years, long before Tesco considered coming here.

"We have a lot of regular and loyal customers who we wish to continue serving.

"Although we would not want to alienate them from using other stores, if we were forced to close, so would the services which we currently offer such as bill payments, paper deliveries and home deliveries for our older customers which Tesco does not offer."

A spokesman for Enterprise Inns said: "Following the departure of the publicans this week we are reviewing our options for the pub."

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