SUPERMARKET giant Tesco confirmed last night its continued interest in building a new store in a north Suffolk town.

Danielle Nuttall

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco confirmed last night its continued interest in building a new store in a north Suffolk town.

The chain said it was interested in building a new supermarket on land off Angel Link, south of Halesworth town centre.

The EADT revealed in February the supermarket had purchased the site between The Thoroughfare and Saxon's Way from property developer Albourne Estates Plc.

Planning permission to create a supermarket and associated car parking on the 2,000 sq m site was granted in 2002.

However, a new supermarket on the site would have meant the businesses currently occupying the land would have to be demolished to make way for the new store.

But Tesco said last night it preferred not to build a supermarket there now, contrary to speculation.

Tesco spokesman Michael Kissman said: “The Angel Link site can provide a store that will meet our customer requirements in Halesworth.

“It will bring new shoppers to the town and be a boost for trade in the centre.

“Whilst we have bought the Thoroughfare site, we agree with some of the concerns raised locally regarding a supermarket there.

“Instead we will now be bringing forward plans for a more appropriate, smaller scale development in the town centre.”

The chain has approached Halesworth Town Council to establish a forum to gain local feedback about its proposals.

Mr Kissman added: “We always consult local communities from an early stage about our proposals. “These are important and beneficial proposals for Halesworth and we will ensure that all sectors of the local community are informed.

“The community will have a say in both what happens to the town centre and the new supermarket site.”