A PROTEST group has been set up in an attempt to block plans to build one of Scotland's largest Tesco superstores.

The chain, which faced more than 1000 objections to its Tesco Town plan for Partick in Glasgow, will be challenged over its bid to build a 136,000 sq ft store in Renfrew Road at Wallneuk, near Paisley town centre.

Stop Tesco Owning Paisley has been launched amid claims the development would further devastate the town centre.

The group aims to attract a similar level of support as the anti-Tesco campaign in the West End of Glasgow and will use the same initials, STOP, on posters and leaflets.

Detailed plans for the Tesco Extra store - which would rival the company's outlet at Silverburn, Pollok - were lodged last year after it shelved proposals to build a store at St Mirren's former Love Street ground.

Jimmy Kerr, 33, who is campaigning against the plans, said: "Paisley has never seen anything like this. It would sell close to 100,000 different goods, taking trade desperately needed by retailers in other parts of the town.

"The proposals are clearly against the local plan and on a completely different scale to the old Love Street application."

Bosses at Tesco estimate around 400 full-time and 200 part-time jobs would be created, while more than 700 parking spaces would be built.

The project will go ahead only if planning permission is granted and the Scottish Government approves the application.

Jennifer Duncan, Tesco corporate affairs manager, said: "Many people currently do their supermarket shopping away from Paisley. We believe our store would attract shoppers back, providing a chance for shops and businesses in the town centre to gain new customers."