A NEW Morrisons convenience store could soon open in the old Blockbuster store in Rayleigh High Street, creating 20 new jobs.

Bosses confirmed they were drawing up plans for a store in the building, selling fresh food and daily essentials.

The building has been empty since Blockbuster closed its Rayleigh branch in March after going into administration.

Laura Stubbs, from Morrisons, said: “We’re in the early stages of discussion about bringing a Morrisons M local to Rayleigh.

“We look forward to sharing our plans with the community, as things progress.

“The focus of the store would be on fresh food and that it will create around 20 new jobs.

“We are keen for our stores to be knitted into the community and local life.

“We find in the majority of cases, our stores can increase footfall in the area which has a positive impact on the town and other businesses.”

An application has been made to Rochford District Council to sell alcohol at the new store between 6am and midnight.

Glen Hansraj, of nearby newsagents Newsflash, fears the plan will damage the area.

He said: “The daytime economy in Rayleigh is not what it was. There are places to eat and drink, but there are only a handful of independent shops now.

“Why do we need a Morrisons when there is an Iceland very close by?

“And there are so many places to buy drink down this street, I’m worried about the effect another one will have on antisocial behaviour.”