Police remove Golden Harp protesters from Tesco store

Police were called after anti-Tesco protesters swooped on the chain's Bath Road store in Maidenhead to play cards and crib in the aisles.

The Furze Platt Action Group also staged a demonstration outside the Tesco Express outlet to campaign against the chain's bid to turn the Golden Harp pub in Furze Platt Road into a new shop.

More than 30 people waved placards and banners near the entrance to the store on Saturday.

The group came up with the idea after a public meeting on January 22 at St Piran's School, where in response to someone asking where they would be able to socialise and play cards, a Tesco spokesman said they would be able to use the store as a 'meeting place'.

Mark Newcombe, of Furze Platt Action Group, said on Saturday: "Today is about publicity and spreading awareness of the campaign and letting people know what' going on.

"We need to get people to send in their objections to the council so we can at least delay Tesco and come up with a plan B to open up a community based pub."

Police were called to the store at 2pm after about 10 people went inside to play cards and crib in the aisles, where they were asked to leave.

Tesco corporate affairs manager Simon Petar confirmed a few protesters entered the store and police were called.

"I have spoken to the group at a public meeting and I have made myself available to speak to ward councillors and any other residents who wish to contact me," he added.