What you said as doubts overshadow future of Dalton Park's Morrisons store

Shoppers are calling for Morrisons to check in to their new store as people queue up to become customers.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Jun 2016, 12:43 BST
Updated 3rd Jun 2016, 13:48 BST
How the finished Morrisons could look.How the finished Morrisons could look.
How the finished Morrisons could look.

The supermarket firm has said the firm is carrying out a review of its "new store formats" with its plans to open at Dalton Park in Murton among those which are being considered.

The company has already taken possession of the large unit, which also homes a non-retail shop expected to be leased out, and has signed a 25-year lease for the property.

The new development at Dalton Park - the unit due to become a Morrisons is to the left.The new development at Dalton Park - the unit due to become a Morrisons is to the left.
The new development at Dalton Park - the unit due to become a Morrisons is to the left.
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It is part of a £45million expansion project, which will open alongside the shopping outlet.

The company told the Echo: “We are currently undertaking a review of our new store formats and the Dalton Park store is part of this review.

“As a result, we are unable to confirm an opening date at this time. “We appreciate that the community is keen for the store open but we have to conclude our review before any decisions can be made.”

Readers have made the story one of the most read on sunderlandecho.com today and have taken the chance to have their say on the scheme.

The new KFC restaurant is due to open within days.The new KFC restaurant is due to open within days.
The new KFC restaurant is due to open within days.
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Charlotte Macgregor said: "I really hope it does open as a Morrisons or another supermarket.

"I'm in a wheelchair and it's difficult getting to Asda in Seaham.

"There are a lot of villages near Murton, I'm sure there would be a lot of people use it."

Allyson Jewitt said: "Nothing ever gets done at Murton.

A CGI shot of what the finished extension could look like.A CGI shot of what the finished extension could look like.
A CGI shot of what the finished extension could look like.

"Look how long it takes to make the place look good.

"Closed the baths, Wood's Terrace like a ghost town. I thought it was too good to be true - would have brought jobs and money in."

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Many are keen to see the doors of the shop, which could create hundreds of jobs, open ready for their custom.

The largest supermarkets near by include Tesco in Dragonville, Asda in Seaham, Peterlee and Grangetown, with Lidl in Peterlee and Ryhope, with a new one due to open in Houghton, and Aldi in Seaham and Peterlee, with another planned for Horden.

The new development at Dalton Park - the unit due to become a Morrisons is to the left.The new development at Dalton Park - the unit due to become a Morrisons is to the left.
The new development at Dalton Park - the unit due to become a Morrisons is to the left.

Still on track for Dalton Park development are a KFC, which is due to open in a week's time, Pizza Express, which will welcome diners from July 21, and a Frankie and Benny's.

Permission has also been granted for a petrol station, a pub and a hotel.

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Laura Bainbridge is also keen to see the supermarket open and added: "Perfect location for a store and a petrol station, get it open."

Donna Jones said; "Really, get a move on and give it a try, people will call in when at Dalton Park.

"People in Durham have Sainsbury's and Tesco."

Jackie Scarr said: "Definitely, I like Morrisons. I live in Easington, I'll be there."

Amy Murray said: "Think of the all the money they could be making if they opened it."

Joanne Donoghue: "It's a real shame though because to me they would make a fortune."

Related topics:Dalton ParkMorrisonsKFCSeahamPizza Express