A FORMER pub will be transformed into a Tesco store.

The supermarket giant has confirmed that the old Brunshaw inn, in Brunshaw Road, Burnley, will open as one of its Express shops by the end of the year.

Tesco said the opening is an “excellent opportunity” for people living in the area and the store will create up to 30 new jobs.

However, the announcement has confirmed the fears of many residents and a newsagent whose shop is just yards away.

Afzal Malik, from Brunshaw News, said: “I have lots of customers and I deliver newspapers to about 400 people at the moment but if Tesco move in it will really affect me.

“However, a lot of my customers have backed me all the way and have said they will boycott it when it opens.”

Mr Malik, 53, said he now intends to apply for planning permission for a £50,000 extension to his newsagents so he can “take the fight” to Tesco.

He added: “This is the only choice I have got and if anyone else was in my position they would do the same.

“I have got three kids and I don’t want to let them down. I cannot afford to go out of business.”

Earlier this year, residents from the Brunshaw Road area told Burnley Council’s planning committee they feared Tesco was planning to move into the disused Brunshaw pub - although this was not confirmed at the time.

However, it did not stop councillors granting Manchester-based planning consultancy GL Hearn permission for a full shop refit and the installation of an ATM.

Today, Tesco said it had only recently been offered the site by an agent.

A spokeswoman added: “We can confirm that we have agreed to lease a new retail unit to open a Tesco Express store.

“The unit is to be formed through the redevelopment of the former Brunshaw Pub in Burnley.

“We hope to open the Express by the end of 2009, creating 20 to 30 new jobs for local people.”