HOME BARGAINS fans are over the moon after a major update regarding a closed supermarket store has been announced.
For the past few months rumours of what might happen to an empty Morrisons store have swirled Faversham, but its fate has now been revealed.
Google mapsFaversham’s Morrisons is set to be taken over by Home Bargains[/caption]
To shoppers delight Home Bargains has been confirmed to fill the space after support for its overhaul plans poured in from locals.
Bosses have said they plan to expand the entrance area and install a new shop front and they have also proposed a complete re-surfacing of the car park to make way for cycle parking.
Local resident lesley Seager told Kent Online: “I for one can not wait for this store to get planning approved and open.
“It will inject some fresh life into Faversham and also help with people who can not travel out of town.
“I know many people say shop local but most can’t afford to when some retailers charge nearly £5 a loaf and £9 for a bar of soap, this discount store is needed to help those who are not so well off.”
Others added they were in support of the scheme to see it remain as a retail site and provide ongoing employment for the town.
Another local, Lisa Eades also supports the development and added: “Not only will the store create a variety of jobs, it will also add to the retail mix of the town.
“Given that Home Bargains has stores in neighbouring towns, it is unlikely that it would lead to increased vehicular traffic volumes and would be a good use of a large retail space that may otherwise remain empty for an extended period.”
The closure of the Faversham Morrisons is only one of a recent string as stores in Bolton Breighmet and Blackpool Road in Preston have also closed their doors.
Speaking in July, a Morrisons spokesperson said: “Following a thorough review of the Faversham store’s operation, unfortunately we do not believe performance is sustainable.
“We are therefore announcing we have made the difficult decision to sell the store.”
Morrisons isn’t the only supermarket giant to be pulling the plug on some of its stores.
Co-op has already shut the doors to almost half a dozen stores this year, but more closures are on the way.
The supermarket closed its branch in Castle House, Sheffield, last week, with nearby stores in Broad Lane and Glossop Road remaining open.
Meanwhile, the chain’s branch in Mildenhall Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, is pulling down its shutters for good on August 19.
AlamyLocals are thrilled about the store coming to Faversham[/caption]