Key-cutting and engraving specialist Timpson is to open a new retail pod outside of the Tesco supermarket in Wells.

The small, self-contained concession unit will be installed on a spot where there are currently four disabled parking spaces. Three of those spaces will be relocated elsewhere in the shop car park.

Timpson, which provides a range of other services including dry cleaning, photo printing, watch and shoe repairs and phone repairs, has been given the go-ahead for the timber-clad pod and seven bollards to protect against ram-raiding by Mendip District Council.

A statement to planners submitted by Andy Horwood, acting on behalf of Timpson, said: "The addition of a Timpson concession pod at the foodstore will provide ancillary facilities for existing customers whilst they are shopping at the store.

"This pod will provide complementary services to the main function of the site as a foodstore. It is unlikely to act as a destination in its own right, but nevertheless, it will provide complementary services to customers visiting Tesco."

There were three objections to the application from local residents, who were concerned that the pod would be in competition with CanDo4You in Wells High Street, which offers key cutting, shoe repair and engraving, among other services.

Another resident was furious about the loss of parking spaces for disabled people at the store,

"If this is approved then it shows a total disregard for disabled and adds to us being invisible. We've already lost the disabled parking bays in Union Street."

But the Mendip planning officer for the case noted: "The loss of these parking spaces will be compensated for through the creation of 3 disabled parking spaces further to the north. While this would result in the net loss of one. disabled parking space, this would not be considered significant enough to warrant a reason for refusal, especially when taken into account with the car park as a whole, which is rarely at capacity, could easily support any minor traffic increase generated by the new unit."

With the application approved, Timpson have already started the recruitment process - if you're looking for work, you can apply here.