As a petition is launched to save the Burnham Morrisons supermarket, business leaders in Burnham have called for action to make sure the store is not left empty in the build up to Christmas.

After the shock announcement that Morrisons in Burnham is to close with the loss of more than 70 jobs, residents have been left stunned.

The chain revealed on Friday, September 11, the landmark seafront store was earmarked for closure by Christmas as part of a cost-cutting plan.

Kay Haines of the Chamber said the business community hoped another supermarket would take over the site.

She said: “Hopefully there will be a food store in its place would be the Chamber’s preferred option. Any supermarket would be welcomed as they may also be able to employ some of the staff from Morrisons.”

Town Centre Manager, Beverley Milner-Simonds said: “My immediate thoughts are with the many staff at the local store who will be facing a period of great uncertainty as the official consultation period commences.

"I understand that Morrisons have issued a statement that the consultation is with a view to close the store and that they will strive to redeploy colleagues, this will be little comfort to the staff as we approach the festive period.  “I have met with Sedgemoor District Council, the Chamber of Trade, and a representative from James Heappey’s office. We discussed the possibilities that are being pursued and the opportunities that this may present.

From front page “It is early days as yet but I was encouraged by Sedgemoor’s positivity and remain hopeful that a resolution can be found and the store will not remain empty for long.”

Earlier the business manager for the town said her focus was on getting the site re-let, sold or redeveloped as rapidly as possible so as to create job opportunities locally.

Town and district councillors as well as employees and residents have expressed their dismay at the news including James Heappey, the town’s Conservative MP.

He said: “Whilst Morrisons, along with other supermarkets, have been in the firing line this summer over milk prices; the closure of their store in Burnham is very sad news.

“The priority is those working there and I understand Morrisons is working with employees and the unions to minimise redundancies.

“I am in contact with Morrisons’ head office and will watch that process closely.

"Later on, we will need to know the future of that site.

“Other supermarkets have been mooted but clearly it is a prime spot in Burnham and it is vital that whatever goes there next will boost the local economy and be in keeping with the rest of town. I stand ready to work with the local councils to make sure that is the case.”

Residents have already started a “Save our Morrisons” petition with scores signing up for the demand to retain the supermarket after it was started by a group of residents.

Kirsti Puddy, from Highbridge, said: “I work here. It will be a great loss to the community. It is such a shame. Save our Morrisons.”

A Morrisons’ spokesman said: “We have looked extremely carefully at whether our store in Burnham-on-Sea can be turned around but unfortunately we cannot see a way of making it viable."

“We are therefore proposing its closure. We are consulting with colleagues and unions and we will be discussing how to reduce redundancies and redeploy colleagues around our business.”

Sedgemoor District Council sold the site to Gateway in 1990, with the Morrisons store opening six years ago. In a statement the council said: “Sedgemoor District Council is confident that the site, in its prime location, will not be vacant for too long. The Economic Development Team will be talking with Morrisons and local partners to ascertain future plans.

The site is not owned by Sedgemoor District Council. Sedgemoor sold the site of the store building to Gateway in 1990. The car park is partly owned by Sedgemoor directly and part leased by Sedgemoor from the company who own site.”

The Weekly News understands Sedgemoor is concerned that if the store is left empty for long it could affect the revenue they generate from the pay and display car park nearby.

To sign the petition visit: http://tinyurl.com/pjq66he