TESCO has put its stamp on a seafront landmark. At 8am yesterday, the supermarket giant opened its latest Express store within the famous Kursaal entertainment complex.

The half-empty Kursaal is leased from Southend Council by the Trehaven Group, and the Tesco plan was met with some controversy. The Say No To Tesco group was formed and, at one point, staged a demonstration outside the building.

Patsy Link, from the group, said: “Southend Council should have done more to encourage more cultural things to have moved into the Kursaal.

“There is a little tidal wave sweeping the county, and it’s called Tesco.

“It is a silent killer. They will undercut all of the seafront shops and drive them out of business.

“I phoned the Competition Commission, which said there was nothing I can do about it, but Tesco has eight outlets in a five-mile radius here.

“I will just see it as a huge nail in the coffin of the seasonal shops.

“I will not use a Tesco at all.”

However, the opening of the shop has created 17 extra jobs, and was marked with a £500 donation to Fair Havens Hospice.

Store manager Vickie Barr-ance said: “We are delighted we have been able to create stable jobs for local people in this time of uncertainty. We look forward to playing an active role in the local community.

“We really enjoyed the launch, and it was great we could support our local hospice, as they do such great work.”

In March, the application was approved by councillors to build the store in the former bar and restaurant. Trehaven hopes the new store will attract more business into the area.

At the moment, the Kursaal houses a bowling alley, the Rendezvous casino and a function room. The rest of the building, including a large area earmarked for banqueting, is empty.