TESCO is to flatten a notorious 1960s shopping centre and replace it with a new superstore.

Planning permission has been granted, which marks the end of a 25-year campaign to regenerate Linwood Shopping Centre in Renfrewshire.

More than 3000 people signed a petition urging the owners to sell the concrete plaza, which was the backdrop to the infamous lavvyheid' TV advert for s1jobs.com Campaigners have fought for years to attract new investment to the site, where only a handful of the 40 shops are occupied.

Residents, community representatives and elected members worked with Tesco on the proposals to replace the complex with a superstore, health centre, town hall and other shops.

It's thought the new development will create around 300 jobs.

In stark contrast to the fierce opposition Tesco has faced over plans for a Tesco Town' in Glasgow's West End, its representatives received a round of applause as they arrived at a public meeting to discuss the plan last year.

Linwood councillor Anne Hall said: "There have been developers who have not invested in the centre over the years.

"In the 13 years I've been a councillor, I know a huge amount of council officers' time has been spent dealing with the shopping centre.

"It's great to see the hard work put in is finally coming to fruition now."

The new Tesco store will be split 50-50 between food and non-food, following talks with planning officials, in a bid to prevent a huge slump in trade in Johnstone and Paisley.

But councillor Iain McMillan, who represents Johnstone South, said: "I'm extremely concerned about this proposal.

"Linwood Shopping Centre has been rundown for many years - it's a disgrace.

"However, I'm concerned about the impact on Johnstone.

"It's a busy town that attracts shoppers from surrounding villages, and this will have a major effect on trade."

The centre became infamous after it was used by s1jobs.com for an award-winning TV campaign, which featured a young man dressed as a toilet wandering round the deserted plaza.

Owners Balmore Properties agreed to put the site up for sale three years ago amid huge public pressure.

Tesco officials are waiting for landlord Sanctuary Housing to rehouse 10 families living in flats above the derelict shop units before confirming a timescale for the development.

Jennifer Duncan, Tesco corporate affairs manager, said: "The support we have had for this project locally has been well documented and we are absolutely delighted with this decision.

"The redevelopment of the town centre will provide much-needed community services."