A public inquiry into plans to build a new supermarket in Birkenhead has been held.

Wirral Council is defending its intention to use Compulsory Purchase Orders to buy out properties on Grange Road for the planned Asda.

The major scheme has already been granted planning permission and some preparatory work already has been undertaken.

But one shop has objected to the CPOs and forced the inquiry.

The supermarket is being developed by Castlewood Developments and if the scheme gets the go-ahead, would see an 8,800sq mtr food store along with extra car parking.

But several properties - opposite the former Woolworth's on the corner of Catherine Street - would need to be demolished.

Retailer B&M has raised objections claiming that it would have “an adverse effect” on that part of Grange Road.

The inquiry was expected to run over three days, but was completed in just one.

The government inspector's decision is expected within the next two to three weeks.