PLANS to turn a local pub into a new Tesco store have been met with concern from local traders, residents and councillors.

The supermarket giant has bought the Castle Oak pub at the corner of Murch Road and Castle Drive in Dinas Powys, and plans to convert it into a Tesco Express store.

But some residents and traders say the development will 'destroy traditional shops' and 'ruin community life' - and in the past week, more than 1,500 people have signed a petition opposing the move.

“The shops here are the livelihood of the traders and Tesco will bulldoze them out of the way,” said Judith Cross, a supervisor at the Texaco garage on Cardiff Road.

“Everyone is worried that the community spirit will evaporate.”

Local resident Dave Derry said: “I have shopped here for 40 years and fear what will happen to this community if the shops are driven out.”

Jan and Tony Mapstone, who have run the Valley View Fruit Store, just yards from the pub, for 13 years, fear the effects will be devastating.

“They are not going to attract new people to shop in the area, they are simply going to take customers from the existing shops,” said Jan.

“We might survive for a while but I have no idea how long.

“We’ve just got to keep our fingers crossed and pray.”

“This is the worst thing that could happen to us,” added Tony.

Butcher Mark Griffith said: “I employ two people and if Tesco takes some of my business away, I’ll have to let one of them go.

“I can’t go any lower with my prices than I am right now.

“All I can do is continue to provide high quality local service and hope people stay loyal.”

Huw Evans, owner of Budgens on Cardiff Road, called it a ‘nightmare scenario’.

Dinas Powys councillor Margaret Randall said: "There appears to be a plan across the Vale to bring in these conglomerates, break the community spirit, and decimate local shops.

“It’s ruining the area.”

Vale of Glamorgan AM Jane Hutt, said: “I have requested clarification of Tesco’s proposals for Dinas Powys and have raised people's concerns with the company’s Chief Executive.”

Conversions such at that planned for the pub - formerly known as the Malthouse - do not need planning permission, provided there are no legal restrictions.

A Tesco spokesperson said the store will create 25 jobs and offer a wide range of products at competitive prices.

“The team will be actively involved in community projects, often volunteering and co-ordinating fundraising activities through the year,” she said.

No opening date has been set, but the community would be kept updated, she added.

The development is similar to one that Tesco carried out in Rhoose late last year, which also sparked local opposition, and local traders there agreed with those in Dinas.

“It has had a significant effect on all the shops here and has sucked the community spirit out of the village,” said the manager of Spar in Rhoose.