A Knowle pub has been gutted in preparation for it to be turned into a Tesco Express store.

Consent has been given for a 12-space car park at the Friendship Inn, in Axbridge Road, Knowle, for use by Tesco customers.

Locals told the Evening Post that the popular pub had recently been gutted and yesterday morning workmen were seen erecting wooden boards in front of the pub in preparation for the refurbishment.

Newsagent Peter Read, who runs Broadwalk News in Broadwalk shopping centre, said a Tesco store would cause local shops to close.

He told the Post yesterday: "I believe Tesco will have a dramatic effect on the way that shopping is done in this area. If shops in Broadwalk, Melvin Square, and surrounding areas take just 10 per cent less as a result of Tesco, that's their profit gone.

"Half of the shops in Broadwalk are empty, nobody new is coming in. What's the area going to be like in five years' time? I don't have a problem with Tesco per se.

"I think it's a question of the way that communities are planned over the long term."

Tesco does not need permission to convert the pub into a supermarket. The council's acceptance of the car park application means that building work can commence. But locals are likely to be consulted on external lighting for the supermarket and signage.

The Post understands that work was due to start on the new store before Christmas, with a proposed opening date of Easter this year.

When the pub closed, protesters spray painted "TescoNO" on the building.

Lib Dem Councillor Gary Hopkins, who represents Knowle ward, said hundreds of locals objected to the car park application.

He said: "We thought they were planning to open in the spring, but they've left it rather late. They don't have permission for signs and lighting, so it will be interesting to see what happens."

He added: "It will be detrimental to the shopping centre."

Tesco corporate affairs manager Juliette Bishop was unavailable for comment yesterday.