SUPERMARKET giant Tesco is considering turning a former pub in Hoylake into a convenience store.

The company has confirmed in email correspondence with a resident and ex-councillor that the Punch Bowl on Market Street could become its latest acquisition.

A clause in the building’s planning status means Tesco would have no need to go through the planning process if it were to convert its use to retail while leaving the existing facade alone.

Earlier this week former Conservative councillor Jackie Hall, a well-known Hoylake campaigner awarded the MBE in 2011 New Year's Honours, wrote to Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke asking him to clarify the company’s position.

She wrote: “The residents are incensed as we believe you intend to [open the store] without any consultation...or concern for the many local shops who will be affected by your opening.

“There is no parking and little room for delivery vehicles and it is very close to residential property. Why are you doing this?”

On behalf of Mr Clarke, UK communications director Michael Kissman replied: “Your email is timely. 

"The building has been advertised for sale for a while and we are considering if it is a suitable location for a Tesco Express convenience store.

“To reassure you, we are very keen to speak with the local community before any plans are progressed.

"This is part of a wider commitment to consult local people before every Tesco development.”

Mrs Hall told the Globe: “There's been rumours about this for some time and at least we now know Tesco are definitely considering it. We also know there will be some sort of consultation process with local people.

“There will be great concern among shopkeepers that Tesco will pose a tremendous threat to their businesses.

“Hoylake is building itself up piece by piece from the recession and a lot of people are putting in a lot of very hard work to try to make this happen.

"On a practical level there is no parking space near the Punch Bowl nor is there any obvious room to site delivery bays.

“The Open Golf Championship is coming here again next year and that could be a huge boost to trade. Many residents and traders do not think the town needs Tesco opening up at this crucial stage.”