THE demolition of a pub in Yate had to be delayed because of the discovery of asbestos, the Gazette can reveal.

Contractors knocking down The Swan, on Station Road, had to postpone work when a small amount of the dangerous fibres were found.

The 19th century pub is being flattened as part of Tesco’s redevelopment of its shopping centre store.

Spokesman Dan Bramwell said: "A small amount of asbestos was found.

"We had to go through South Gloucestershire Council’s statutory procedure which is why there was a delay. It has all now been cleared and the pub has been demolished."

He revealed 70 additional car parking spaces, on the site of The Swan, will be operational on November 12.

The Tesco store is due to be demolished in January and will be rebuilt as an Extra supermarket on stilts with car parking underneath.

A temporary store will be erected near Superdrug whilst construction is underway and the new store is expected to open in time for Christmas 2011.