DEMOLITION work is underway to clear a large area at Kinson for the arrival of a new Tesco.

The shopping precinct in Wimborne Road is being knocked down to make way for the building of a supermarket later this year.

Ramesh Lal, chairman of Kinson Business Forum, said traders were pleased that work was finally underway after a long-running controversy.

“I think the general feeling is at last something’s happening. They can see it. The start of demolition came as very good news,” he said.

The plans to demolish the precinct – where businesses included the Co-Op and the Royal Oak pub – were keenly debated in the area.

But Mr Lal said the arguments were now behind them. “We look forward to the future rather than looking backwards,” he added.

Ward councillor Dennis Gritt said he understood Tesco planned to be fully open by Christmas.

“People are saying to me that the sooner it’s done, the better,” he said. “They want to see it up and running so they can use it and they’re very keen to do so.”

Cllr Gritt remains unhappy that Tesco rejected his call to provide a shuttle bus to another supermarket during the building.

The development will also bring money from Tesco towards road improvements around the site, including a new roundabout in front of the supermarket.

The nearby junction was the scene of a horrific road accident earlier this month involving two brothers, aged four and seven, who were crossing the road. Miraculously, they escaped without serious injury.

Bournemouth Borough Council said the work on the road was due to start next month.