TRADERS generally said they welcomed a new Tesco that replaced a “rundown” pub on Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth.

The Tesco Express store in Springbourne opened inside the former Dolphin Pub in February.

Andrew Quinell, from Al’s Diner, said: “We have picked up a bit of trade. But the main thing is you don’t get the drunks hanging around here now.”

One trader, who asked not to be named, said: “It has massively increased footfall, which is good for us, and you do not get so many drunks around, because the pub was a bit run down.

“The phone box outside was being used by drug addicts.”

David Sollis, from Low Price Tools, said: “The pub was a bit of a dive I suppose, and wasn’t that well used. If you are going to change it into something Tesco was a good option.”

Another trader said: “It’s cleaner than before and always looks nice compared to the pub.”