Opinion is divided over the future of a Bristol pub, which Tesco has earmarked for redevelopment.

The supermarket chain sent letters to residents saying it intends to buy the Friendship pub in Axbridge Road, Knowle, and turn the building into a Tesco Express store.

It said it hoped to have the store open by the end of the year.

No official plans for the building have been submitted and Tesco has previously said the existing building has "transferable planning consent" to be used as a shop.

But the supermarket giant has already put forward an application to build a 12-space car park next to the pub.

This was deferred by Bristol City Council's development control committee at a meeting on Wednesday, due to concerns about road safety.

Councillors said the proposal would be refused if Tesco failed to provide a better design.

Shop owners in the area have objected to the proposals, being concerned that a new Tesco could threaten their businesses.

The Post went out to Axbridge Road and spoke to residents and pubgoers, to see what they thought should be done with the site.

Although many objected to another Tesco, others felt it would be good for Knowle and an improvement on the pub.

Retired Loyala Leonard, 67, of Axbridge Road, said: "I think they should leave it as it is.

"I don't reckon Tesco are cheaper than anywhere else.

"It will put the shops here out of business, I don't think that's fair.

"There's already one down in Totterdown."

Colston Kett, a 59-year-old postman, said: "I think it should stay a public house; it has always been a public house.

"Everything is being shut down, where are people supposed to go?"

A young mum from Knowle, who did not wish to be named, said: "I'm not averse to Tesco.

"The shops are expensive.

"I do feel sorry for them, I know it's their livelihood but to get rid of that pub would be a blessing."

Drinkers at the Friendship all said their local was the last community pub in the area and should stay.

Retired councillor Austin Munroe, 84, of Knowle, said: "I can't see how Tesco are going to turn this into a shop. It's ridiculous. Two times a day you've got people coming to work, missing out Bath Road, and then the reverse.

"It's a very dangerous corner, but if they had their way people would be nipping in for their loaf of bread.

"The 12 spaces would be for their staff – everyone would have to park out front. There's bound to be an accident."

Tesco corporate affairs manager Juliette Bishop told the Post earlier this year that the area was "currently under-served for convenience retailing" and the 3,000 sq ft store would serve the neighbourhood as opposed to a wider area.