A COUNCILLOR wants Tesco to move swiftly in converting an "eyesore" into a shop after the firm formally lodged plans to the borough council.

Tesco acquired the Maiden Over site in Silverdale Road last year, but stalled over plans to build the shop.

Residents and councillors became frustrated with the abandoned site, and rumours circulated on social media whether the plans would go ahead.

However, Wokingham Borough Council plans to convert the site's current use of a pub into a retail shop.

Earley Town Councillor John Russel, said: "I was not very happy with the decision for Tesco's plans to go ahead but it was passed.

"We now want it done as quickly as possible, it has been a bit of an eyesore in the past, so now they need to press ahead with it."

A Tesco spokesman confirmed last month that plans would still be going ahead, but remained tight-lipped on an opening date.

A developer sent a letter to the borough council on September 29, containing detailed plans for the site, which includes converting the pub into a Tesco Express store and putting a hole-in-the-wall cash machine at the front of the store.

A spokesman for the developer said: "Tesco express propose to occupy the former public house at the Maiden Over.

"The applicant has sought full Planning Permission to apply for the effective change of use of the premises."

Wokingham Borough Council will consider the plans and inform the firm of their decision at a later date.

It is unknown whether the decision will be made by officers or councillors in the planning committee.