Despite widespread rumours that retail giant B&M are hot favourites to take over the empty Morrisons supermarket site at Pier Street in Burnham, the retailer has denied the suggestion.

In a statement to the Weekly News this week a spokesperson for the firm said: “We are actively seeking opportunities to increase the number of B&M stores across Somerset, however I am not aware that we are looking at this site at this present moment.

“As a growing business with more than 480 stores nationwide we are always looking to expand further; providing great value products and world class service to even more customers every week as well as playing an integral part in the local community.”

This may not dampen speculation about the firm’s plans for the site following their move to take on the B&Q store in Bridgwater and the former Morrisons site up the road in Clevedon.

With its mix of food and drink, toys and games, everyday essentials, toiletries and electrical equipment, clothes and furniture along with pet food and seasonal gifts, the store could cause problems for the town centre’s existing shops.

Mark Newman of the Chamber of Commerce said: “We are unhappy with the situation and want B&M and the leaseholder Pension Protection Fund to understand the impact a store like that will have on the community. They need to understand the implications to the future of the town of having a large discount store there.”

Town Centre Manager Beverley Milner Simonds said: “I know from a recent conversation from the freeholder that Morrisons will reassign the lease very soon.” However she could not say who was likely to sign the new lease.

The Weekly News understands Morrisons want to off-load the lease to whoever will take it as quickly as possible so as to save money as they battle to survive in a changing market. Despite calls from the MP James Heappey and the Chamber for Morrisons to reassign the lease to either a leisure company or another supermarket they have no power or influence over the change. As one member of the Chamber said to the Weekly News, “money talks, not words.”

A private meeting was held by the Chamber at the Dunstan Inn last Friday to discuss the situation where Mr Heappey spoke to traders.

From its first store in Blackpool opened in the 1970s B&M has grown to over 450 stores and employs more than 20,000 staff. Morrisons closed two months ago resulting in a loss of around 80 jobs.

Would B&M hit smaller shops in Burnham or would it bring in new visitors and shoppers to the town? Your views to harry.mottram@nqsw.co.uk