TESCO is set to open a ninth store in Colchester, it has been confirmed Four shops in Cotman Road, Prettygate, are being turned into one unit.

Residents’ fears that a bigname supermarket was going to snap up the site have been realised with the news it will become a Tesco Express.

It will be just 50ft from a Coop supermarket.

Residents are angry Colchester Council did not hold a consultation into the Hills Group’s application to turn the individual shops into one store.

For special reports, see Friday's Gazette and Essex County Standard