Dozens of jobs created if controversial Black Country supermarket plan gets go ahead

New River Retail have submitted proposals to erect a 3,000 sq ft Co-operative convenience store on land adjacent to the Ashmore Inn pub in Wednesfield.

Earlier this year residents and developers became embroiled in a bitter battle over the pub, which was bought by New River Retail as part of a 202-pub deal with Marstons Brewery.

The firm, which specialises in the UK food and value retail sector, eventually agreed to keep the pub running after a campaign led by residents had succeeded in having it listed as an asset of community value.

Martin Hughes, director at New River Retail, said the development would be a major boost for the community.

"The new Co-op would create 25 jobs which is big news for the area," he said. "We agreed with the local community to safeguard the future of the pub. The land next to it is currently surplus and we feel it is a good site for the proposed development.

"It could also have the added benefit of attracting supermarket visitors to the pub. We believe the pub and new store will work well together."

But residents have raised concerns that the store could have a negative impact on trade at other shops in the area and lead to traffic congestion.

Padda Brewster, who ran the campaign to save the pub, said: "We are happy that New River have kept to their agreement to keep the pub open, but there are concerns from shop owners about the effect on trade.

"The new store will be open from 6am until midnight, meaning a lot of extra traffic and noise late into the night."

As part of the plans the pub's large car park will be shared between pub and supermarket customers. The area already has a Co-op branch on the corner of Wednesfield High Street, although that is due to close down and be taken over by Iceland.

Plans have already been submitted to Wolverhampton City Council and New River say they hope to start work on the project early next year.

Mr Hughes added: "At the moment it is in the hands of the local authority. We are hoping to get a decision in the first quarter of next year and begin work as soon as possible."