Customers call on Morrisons to make move into Sunderland site

Shoppers have urged a supermarket chain to take up a space it created to launch a new store.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jun 2016, 14:31 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 18:52 BST
The B&Q shop in Trimdon Street before the work was carried out to create a unit for Morrisons.The B&Q shop in Trimdon Street before the work was carried out to create a unit for Morrisons.
The B&Q shop in Trimdon Street before the work was carried out to create a unit for Morrisons.

Morrisons put together plans to open a new 'fresh format' shop in part of B&Q in Trimdon Street, Sunderland, and work has been complete to section off an area ready for it to move it.

But it is yet to complete its proposals, with the firm failing to respond to calls from the Echo.

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Councillor Niall Hodson outside the B&Q store in Trimdon Street.Councillor Niall Hodson outside the B&Q store in Trimdon Street.
Councillor Niall Hodson outside the B&Q store in Trimdon Street.

Millfield Liberal Democrat Councillor Niall Hodson has also contacted the company to ask for reassurance it will open.

Concerns were raised after Morrisons said it was carrying out a review of its proposals to launch a large supermarket at Dalton Park, as it is assessing its '"new format" scheme.

The firm has already been given the keys to the Murton building and signed a 25-year lease.

That project is part of the £45million phase two development, with residents in East Durham also keen to see the supermarket open there.

Councillor Niall Hodson outside the B&Q store in Trimdon Street.Councillor Niall Hodson outside the B&Q store in Trimdon Street.
Councillor Niall Hodson outside the B&Q store in Trimdon Street.

The full story can be found here.

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Readers have been giving their views on the Sunderland plans.

Keeley Grotz said: "Yes I love Morrisons.

"Their food is lovely and there's only little supermarkets in town, Tesco, Iceland. if you want Morrisons you have go to Doxford Park.Be nice just to shop in one place."

Janice Richardson said: "Yes, we definitely need a decent supermarket in Millfield."I was so pleased when Morrisons said they were coming.

"We have to go to Seaburn or Doxford Park, Leechmere or Silksworth for a decent supermarket."

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Tracy Joyce added: "Yes, I would like to see Morrisons at the B&Q site."I live in the city centre and we only have a small Tesco in the Bridges and have to go to Seaburn or Doxford Park."

Elaine Wuz Fraser posted: "I think it's a good idea for people who can't drive like myself.

"I live in Barnes and closest to me is Aldi, so would be handy as Morrisons at the minute is miles away from me."

Chris Hall believes there are already enough shops in the city.

He added: "We have two Sainsbury's, a Tesco, one of those mini Tescos, an Asda, two Morrisons, about a thousand Lidls and two Aldis.

"I think we're alright."

Related topics:MorrisonsSunderlandMillfield