SUPERMARKET chain Tesco is making a second attempt to open a store on the site of the former Friar pub in Oxford’s Marston Road.

Plans for a two-storey Tesco Express to replace the boarded-up pub were thrown out by Oxford City Council’s north east area committee in April 2009.

A 1,500 signature petition was handed in by residents opposed to the application.

Now fresh plans have been submitted to the council only asking for permission to demolish the pub and build a two-storey store.

Kathleen Kirby, 72, who lives near the proposed site, in Old Marston Road, was unaware the plans had been resurrected and added: “Nobody seems to want Tesco here.We already have two shops and to have a third would not be a good idea with all the parking problems, noise and everything else it would cause.

“Costcutters has a post office and if we did get Tesco, I think the post office would close and we really don’t want that to happen.”

No one from Tesco was available for comment.

The supermarket giant announced last month it plans to open a store in St Aldate’s, at the former Solus Lighting Shop, including an alcohol licence from 6am to 11pm.

It also owns the derelict Fox and Hounds pub in Abingdon Road.