Council negotiations over the opening of a new B&M discount store in place of Burnham-On-Sea’s former Morrisons supermarket appear to have come to a halt.
Sedgemoor District Council said this week that it is “not actively discussing” the future of the store in Pier Street with any potential occupants.
Sam Taylor, Sedgemoor’s Community Relations Officer, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Sedgemoor District Council is not actively discussing the future of the former Morrison’s store with potential occupants as the matter is in the hands of the current leaseholder.”
She added: “We are, however, trying to work with the current leaseholder to see the store back in use soon.”
Burnham-On-Sea.com sought a comment from B&M this week, but a spokeswoman said: “There is no update as yet.”
Rumours circulating in Burnham suggest B&M has been in talks with the council regarding the Pier Street car park located to the store. It’s claimed that B&M had wanted charges lifted to allow free parking for customers.
Morrisons shut down its Pier Street supermarket last November and the building has been empty ever since.
B&M announced in January that it intends to take over the store, creating 50 jobs, but the wait for an opening date continues.
Meanwhile, the Town Council has hung a colourful new ‘Welcome to Burnham-on-Sea’ banner on the eastern wall of the building, near the entrance to the coach park, to try and brighten up the property.
A former Morrisons store in nearby Clevedon in North Somerset also remains empty with B&M also earmarked for it.
Also see:
B&M to create 50 jobs in Burnham when store replaces Morrisons
Reaction to B&M’s decision to take over Burnham’s Morrisons store
Discount store B&M takes over Burnham Morrisons site
Businesses in Burnham-On-Sea discuss future of former Morrisons site
Video: Mayor thanks staff at Burnham’s Morrisons store as it shuts
Council ‘confident’ that Burnham Morrisons store won’t be empty long
Burnham’s MP meets campaigners battling to save Morrisons store
Burnham Morrisons staff told store will shut at the end of November
Protest held over Burnham Morrisons closure at council debate
Morrisons to close its Burnham-On-Sea store
