Brentwood tweeters have reacted angrily at Tesco's plans to convert a former pub into an Express store.
Shoppers, residents and traders took to the micro-blogging website Twitter this week voicing a mixture of concern and outrage at news that the Warley Tavern would take on a new life as a supermarket.
The Warley Hill watering hole, which closed following a farewell party with staff and punters on Saturday (Jan 5), was taken over by the retail giant on Tuesday (Jan 8). It was formerly owned by the Suffolk-based brewery Greene King.
A brewery spokesman this week said it had been a difficult decision to call time on the once popular local.
No planning permission is required by Tesco to convert the pub into a supermarket, nor will it need to apply for an alcohol licence from Brentwood Borough Council.
A Tesco spokesman said: "Our Express stores are designed to serve the needs of the local community, with the majority of customers living within a mile of the store.
"The stores offer people great value, choice and convenience without having to travel further afield and help people to shop locally, as well as creating 15-20 new jobs.
"With the increased footfall they generate, our stores often become an anchor within the high street or district centre, attracting additional shoppers and supporting the local economy."
Commenting, Chelsmford City Councillor June Deakin (@junedeakin) said: "Sadly we are seeing too many local pubs close and reopen as Tesco stores across #essex."
Brentwood mum Laurie Edmonds (@laurie_edmonds) said: "Not needed, will definitely damage local trade."
Brentwood man, Stuart Wilks, who works in marketing, said: "The 'juggernaut' needs the brakes putting on."
Carole fogg-faulkner ?@CreuseCarole commented: "I am completely horrified. This is the narrowest part of WHill and we live almost immediately opposite."
And Christine Ann Yexley ?(@Chris_yexley) said: "Against !! Keep Warley Hill for local traders not the big boys."
Whereas Phoenix FM DJ Bryan Powis: (@bryanpowis) commented: "Better that, then another empty building in the borough."
