TESCO’S controversial bid to open a store in Liverpool’s historic Hope Street is being fought by an internet campaign.

Over the weekend a Facebook group was launched with the aim of forcing the supermarket giant to abandon its plans.

Last night the group named “ There is just something plain wrong about a Tesco on Hope Street” already had more than 140 members.

Last week it was revealed how Tesco had applied for permission to put up an illuminated sign in a unit next to the Philharmonic Dining Rooms pub.

The company does not need planning permission to open in the former Roadkill bar venue.

On Friday the company said it was withdrawing the plans due to opposition, but said it would come back with improved designs.

But campaigners said the design is not the issue and are opposed to the principle of a supermarket opening in the street.

Some campaigners have directed their ire towards Tesco’s Liverpool-born chief executive Sir Terry Leahy, who is also a board member of the city council’s regeneration quango Liverpool Vision.