WORK is getting under way in earnest on the site of a new supermarket in Kinson.

The site of the old shopping precinct in Wimborne Road has now been fully fenced off and demolition work has begun on buildings around the main complex.

After years of talk, the action is there for all to see.

Once the site has been cleared, Tesco has said that it plans to start construction in May, with an opening planned before Christmas for the new store.

Ramesh Lal, chairman of Kinson Business Forum, said: “KBF are pleased to see the project finally moving forward.

“With the start of the demolition, the local community will feel reassured that changes are now on the way. They are talking about it on the streets already with positive comments.

“There is more demolition to come at the precinct and this is expected to be completed very shortly.

“KBF looks forward to the next stage when the rebuilding starts and although this is likely to cause some traffic congestion, it will be worth it when finished.”

The work is set to cause some disruption, particularly when changes to the road layout take place, but community leaders have asked residents to bear the short-term pain for long-term gain.

Kinson councillor Dennis Gritt said: “It cannot come soon enough and it’s the final piece of the jigsaw once it’s done.

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience it’s causing everybody and I wish Tesco had run a shuttle bus like we asked, but it’s good news for Kinson residents.

“We’re also getting the Co-op at East Howe Lane, which is making good progress.

“We’ve campaigned for a decent shopping area for years and this will increase the village atmosphere.”