It is a controversial convenience store that had already caused a furious backlash from a Southampton community.

When supermarket giant Tesco announced plans to convert a popular city pub into a corner shop last year, it sparked a petition signed by thousands of residents and traders in Midanbury.

Now Tesco bosses have provoked further anger after applying for a late-night alcohol licence at the premises.

The move has been slammed by a Southampton MP, who said the application to sell alcohol from 6am until midnight seven days a week “shows little sensitivity to the concerns of local people”.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, the new Tesco Express shop, in Witts Hill, had already attracted strong opposition, after 2,000 people signed a petition to stop it replacing the former Castle Pub.

Traders at the Midanbury Broadway parade said the store could destroy their livelihoods, cost up to 36 jobs, cause traffic problems and attract anti social behaviour.

And shopkeepers fear that the granting of a late-night alcohol licence could prove to be the final nail in the coffin.

Sarj Sonchhatla, from the SNA Premier Store, which has a licence to sell alcohol from 8am until 10pm, said: “Traders like us are worried that a potential late-night licence for them will cause problems in the area.

“Already there are enough shops in the area that have a licence. I don’t see why they have to also have one.”

The Castle Pub is among several Southampton wateringholes that have been converted into convenience stores during the past 18 months.

The Bulls Eye in Butts Road, Sholing and The Woodman in Coxford Road have also become Tesco Express stores, while the Winning Post in Peartree Avenue, Bitterne, was converted into a One Stop.

Southampton Itchen MP, John Denham, said it was “a great shame” that supermarkets do not require planning permission to convert pubs into shops.

Mr Denham added: “I agree that Midanbury does not need another off-licence.

“We all know the dangers of selling alcohol, and these hours will cause concern to neighbours who already fear antisocial behaviour.

“This application shows little sensitivity to the concerns of local people.”

A spokesman from Tesco said: “Having an alcohol licence means we are able to provide customers with the range and choice they want and expect to see in our stores.

“We take our responsibility of selling alcohol seriously and as part of our commitment to be a responsible retailer, we have a strict ‘Think 25’ policy which all our colleagues are trained to practice.”

Southampton City Council’s licensing committee will make a decision on the proposals next month.

Residents have organised a meeting at All Hallow’s church hall, Witts Hill, tonight to discuss the plans.