SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons is to create 50 new jobs at its store in Wickford which is set to be open by next June.

A new Morrisons is set to replace the former Co-Op shop off Wickford High Street, and residents are now being asked to have their say on the proposals.

The Co-Op is due to shut its doors in May this year and Morrisons bosses say it will be complete and almost ready to open by June 2023.

David Harrison, Wickford Independents councillor for Wickford Park, said it’s brilliant news for the town.

He said: “Having worked on this when we were in administration at Basildon Council, I am pleased to see it now coming through.

“It did slow down a bit but I am glad to see movement on this project now. I think it will benefit the town tremendously and Co-op is closing in May after ending its lease on the site.

“There will be a gap between one closing and another re-opening. I see no reason why plans should not be granted when they come into the council.”

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He said it will help tidy up this part of the town and it cannot come soon enough for him.

Shoppers and residents are also pleased to see the new addition the town centre.

Derek Harrison, 78, from Wickford said: “I am pleased about this and have seen the plans. It’s good to get this investment in the town and we don’t often get many new businesses or shops so I am pleased.

“I will be shopping here and think it looks good. I also am hoping to see this draw in other big companies and firms to the town centre.”

A spokesman for developer Hariot said: “We are hoping to start construction on the new store at the end of June and it will be one-year build period.

“It will be a 40,000 square foot latest spec Morrisons store with lots of parking. There will be more than 50 permanent jobs and it’s going to be a flagship store for Wickford.”

To comment on the plans, email wickford@peacockandsmith.co.uk by Thursday March 31.