A PUB left as an “eyesore” after a fire four years ago has finally been demolished.

Tesco bought the former Fox and Hounds pub in Abingdon Road in 2008.

It was gutted by fire a year later and was the subject of controversy, with some residents strongly opposed to a store opening there and others in support of it.

While planning permission was granted in January 2012, work only started on site on July 4 this year.

Now less than six weeks later, the building has been levelled.

Chatham Road resident William Rankin, 64, said: “I am really pleased, as a lot of people in the area are.

“It’s been a long time since it got planning permission and people have had to live with that eyesore until now.”

A new store is due to open by the end of the year.

Tesco spokeswoman Beth Greenhouse said: “It’s exciting to see progress being made on site.

“The demolition is now complete and in the coming weeks we look forward to starting the build and to bringing forward our new store for customers.”