WORK to demolish an empty pub in South Oxford and build a convenience store will start in a matter of weeks, Tesco has revealed.

The supermarket giant, which already has permission to demolish the Fox and Hounds pub in Abingdon Road and build one of its Express stores, has applied for permission to put up signs and install an ATM at the site.

The planning bid is the first sign that the chain is finally taking action on the site, which has remained empty since it bought the pub in 2008.

Tesco spokeswoman Beth Greenhouse confirmed that work on the site was due to start soon, but would not give a specific date.

She said: “We would like to bring forward plans for our Express store, providing local customers with a fantastic range of convenience goods and fresh groceries and creating 20 jobs for local people. We hope to start work on site in the coming weeks.”

The pub closed in 2007, and since then has developed a reputation as an eyesore, at a prominent point on a main route into the city.

The building was seriously damaged by a fire in 2009, and residents have been waiting for work to start since Tesco was granted planning permission last year.

The Rev Jane Sherwood, vicar of St Luke’s Church in nearby Canning Crescent, said she was pleased to hear something was finally happening on the site.

She said: “I’m pleased they’re going to do something about the mess which we’ve had to live with since 2007.

“I don’t really approve of the idea of Tesco opening there, but there aren’t really any alternatives apart from a compulsory purchase order which the council can’t afford.

“I would prefer to see it as houses, because we have a great housing need in the city, but this is going to make the best of a bad situation.”

Cranham Road resident William Rankin, 64, said he was delighted to hear the news.

He said: “I welcome it with open arms, and I speak for a lot of local people who will also welcome it with open arms.

“Having a Tesco nearby will give us that little bit more freedom of choice and we may be able to save a few pennies in the process.

“It’s been horrendous having to live near such an eyesore for so many years, and I’m pleased something is finally happening.”

Oxford City Council will decide on the application for signs and an ATM at a later date.