A proposed new Co-op supermarket on the site of a historic pub will benefit residents, the company has claimed.

However, the plan has been slammed as a "disaster" and an "abomination" by town leaders.

The Waggon and Horses, on Bewdley's Kidderminster Road, will be demolished and replaced by a 5,500 sq foot store if West Midlands Co-op's forthcoming planning application to Wyre Forest District Council is approved.

Co-op chief executive Ben Reid said the scheme offers people better shopping facilities and reduced the need to travel to Kidderminster or Stourport.

He claimed it would not be a threat to the town centre and would create up to 40 new jobs.

"There is clearly a need for a larger store and we believe the people of Bewdley deserve a better level of service than they are getting," he said.

Mr Reid added the company was considering whether the building's facade could be incorporated into the new development.

But Stephen Clee, a town and district councillor for Bewdley and a member of the district council's planning (development control) committee rejected the company's arguments.

"If Co-op want to improve facilities they should improve the store in Bewdley town itself," he said.

"This proposal would be an absolute disaster for the local economy.

"Bewdley residents would go to the Co-op superstore and they wouldn't stop in town and support local businesses."

Town mayor Frank Baillie said the company was only interested in profit. "This is a sad reflection of the greed of a profit-making organisation. They're doing nobody a favour except themselves."

He added: "Serious protests are coming together."

At Bewdley Town Council's meeting on Monday night Max Keen described the bid as "an abomination".

Members voted to voice its support for the town's current Co-op store and other businesses and will comment further when the planning application is received.