PROTESTORS are furious at the shock news that the Tesco Town development in Glasgow's West End has won planning permission.

Campaigners have expressed concern over the increase in traffic and the potential loss of trade for shops on Dumbarton Road.

But the Evening Times hit the streets around Partick today - and found opinion was divided.

Not everyone wants the plan kicked out, with some saying they would welcome another place to shop and the new jobs the development would bring.

The decision to give the green light to plans for a superstore and almost 900 flats in Partick came after months of protest and a public inquiry.

Britain's largest supermarket retailer had lodged an appeal after Glasgow council chiefs failed to come to a conclusion on its West End proposal.

The appeal led to the Scottish Government appointing Public Local Inquiry Reporter Michael Culshaw to chair a two-week probe into the plans. And despite more than 2400 objections, Mr Culshaw moved to let the development proceed - stunning campaigners.

A second application for a supermarket - without the additional 650 students flats and 220 private homes - was rejected at the same time.

Tesco had lodged the revised application as a back-up in case the first scheme was thrown out by councillors.

But the supermarket chain still has one more hurdle to overcome.

Glasgow Harbour Ltd, which has plans for a rival development nearby, outbid the retailer for a strip of land necessary for access to the residential part of Tesco's project.

The developer outbid Tesco to buy the strip of land at Beith Street from Glasgow City Council.

Protesters fear the massive development will cripple small independent retailers.

But some locals believe the new supermarket will be a boon to the area - bringing jobs and injecting cash into Partick.

Here are some of your thoughts... Superstore's surprise green light leaves opinion divided in city JOHN BOYD, 69, retired, Partick: I have concerns about the extra traffic. There are already too many supermarkets in the area so the last thing we need is another. JIM SPEAKER, 59, computer programmer, Partick: It will be terrible for local firms. It is a shame local government is not able to do more to resist big supermarkets. KATE MARTIN, 76, pensioner, Springburn: Just because a Tesco is here does not mean people have to use it, though it is sad it affects the wee local shops. NADIA ALNASSIRI, 26, secretary, Partick: I like to shop in Tesco as it is more convenient and has a great selection. The development will be beneficial. SCOT McDAID, 30, chef, Partick: I support local businesses and the specialist shops so I am concerned at the impact that Tesco will have. SUSAN DOWNS, 34, admin assistant, West End: I can't see how it will affect local shops and surely having students living in the area will bring in more business. CAROLINE McCLUSKEY, 25, student, Broomhill: It's going to force local businesses to shut and that will take the colour out of the area. DAVID WILKIE, 27, youth worker, Broomhill: It's not altogether a bad thing. It's bringing lots of jobs to Partick and people living in the flats will bring money into the area."