Sir Terry Leahy now has a Tesco store on his doorstep, after an Express in Cuffley, Hertfordshire, opened controversially this week.

The retailer got permission in August to convert a former Harvester pub in Sir Terry's home village to the store despite strong opposition from local campaign group Keep Cuffley Rural.

The Express is situated on a high street that has two newsagents, a florist, a Post Office, a Co-op store and pharmacy.

During the Keep Cuffley Rural campaign, stores along the high street windows displayed anti-Tesco posters.

Campaigners also held a local referendum in June that found 2,428 locals opposed the plan compared with 486 who supported it.

But a spokesman for the chain said: "Tesco carried out extensive public consultation in Cuffley, including offering residents a choice of store designs. Tesco took all the feedback into consideration and this is reflected in many aspects of the shop.

"People welcome the increased choice that a new store will bring and experience shows that this high street, like many others, will benefit because the Express store encourages people to shop locally. This leads to more customers using other businesses and services on the high street."

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