PROTESTERS gathered outside a disused pub in an attempt to stop Tesco taking over the site.

A group of residents, including siblings David, three, and James, five, Lord, pictured holding the sign, oppose plans by the supermarket chain to move into the former Ox pub in Oxford Road, Abingdon.

It would be the third Tesco to open in the town.

Campaigner Rachel Adlam said: “We just feel that Tesco is driving custom out of the town centre, which is not exactly thriving at the moment.

“There are already two Tescos in Abingdon and the traffic around this site is also a concern. I think that everyone was happy with the turnout and now we are looking to produce some more petitions to move forward.”

Tesco claims local businesses could benefit from being near one of its stores because of increased footfall.

Picture: Antony Moore