A NEW Tesco convenience store is to open in Dorking in place of an "under-performing" restaurant.
Frankie and Benny's in Reigate Road closed last month and will be replaced by a Tesco Express, which should open this summer.
Tesco corporate affairs manager Simon Petar recently told the Advertiser talk of a the new shop was no more than "rumour and speculation" – but a letter signed by him has now been sent to residents confirming the move.
He wrote: "A Tesco Express is a small convenience store designed to offer customers the best in convenience foods, including fresh produce.
"As the premises were most recently used as a restaurant we do not require planning permission for a change of use.
"However, we will soon be applying for permission for minor alterations to the building, including a cash machine, as well as advertisement consent for signage."
Mr Petar told residents the store will create approximately 20 full and part-time jobs "for local people", with a recruitment process likely to start four to six weeks before the store opens.
He added: "We will advertise them locally, as well as work alongside your local Jobcentre Plus, to ensure the jobs provided are aimed at local people.
"As our Express stores are normally situated close to people's homes, we have a policy of being a good neighbour."
A spokesman for the Restaurant Group, which owns the Frankie and Benny's chain, said it decided to close its Dorking branch after receiving an offer for the site.
Catherine Rose, of nearby Chester Close, said the Tesco shop would give the site – which is next to a Travelodge – a much-needed boost.
"It is quite sad there to be honest," she said.
"The restaurant was obviously under-performing as nobody was ever in there, even during the weekends, and I feel for those who have lost jobs.
"But hopefully something like a Tesco can bring money into the town and create more jobs.
"It isn't a huge supermarket, so I cannot see a reason for people to dislike it on an environmental level."
But David Burn, of Leslie Road, said: "Do we really need yet another huge retailer moving in to our town?
"Sainsbury's is likely to build a megastore behind St Martin's Walk, and a Lidl is soon to be built. Not to mention that we already have a Waitrose in the High Street.
"I feel for the little guy."
