Demolition work has started on a former police station as its transformation into a pub begins.

Planning permission was granted to Wetherspoon, despite concerns over the pub’s location and effect on the community, in July.

The plans to convert the ground and first floor of the New Malden’s former cop shop in the high street include the erection of a single storey rear and side extension.

Two councillors voted against the application at a Malden and Coombe neighbourhood meeting in July and New Malden resident Brian Mason raised concerns over potential noise disturbance and anti social behaviour.

He said the partially open drinking and smoking area could impinge on the busy adjacent pavement which he said was frequently used by mothers and young children walking to nearby Burlington School.

Mr Mason said: “Opening a large pub in this area makes no sense whatsoever.

“The high street has more than enough eating and drinking establishments already.”

Final conditions of the Wetherspoon application are currently under negotiation with Kingston Council.