NEW fears are growing over the current situation with the empty Morrison's site in Burnham-on-Sea.

Despite negotiations taking place that B&M Bargains were to take over the store, it seems plans have been halted.

The store, in Pier Street, has been empty since last November and town councillors are becoming 'frustrated' at the progress.

Councillor Paul Young said: "I haven't heard anything but I think it's highly unlikely B&M will take it over any time soon.

"It's dragged on and if something was going to happen it would have by now.

"The rent on that building is enormously expensive."

The rent is rumoured to cost around £17,000 per week.

Councillor Martin Cox says he hopes something will be sorted before the tourist season.

"I know that B&M haven't even opened in the former Morrisons in Clevedon yet," he said.

"It's just a rumour but I've heard that the firm haven't got enough stock yet and perhaps they do bulk purchases not very often.

"This could well be the case if the store hasn't opened in Clevedon either.

"There's no concrete evidence in this however and currently Morrisons are still having to pay the rent until the lease is taken over.

"Profits just aren't high enough to justify the store being there.

"I do hope we get something in place before the summer tourist season begins and I've got a good feeling it's going to happen.

"I do miss Morrisons."

Town centre manager, Bev Milner Simonds, said: ""I am in regular contact with the freeholder's representatives and Sedgemoor District Council - keeping the property at the top of their lists.

"It is frustrating to see this large property still vacant as we approach the busy summer season and I know that traders in the town are as keen as I am to have a new tenant as soon as possible."

Sedgemoor District Council is working on the store being in use.

A spokesperson said: "The site is not owned by Sedgemoor District Council having been sold to Gateway in 1990.

"Sedgemoor District Council are therefore 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.

"We are however trying to work with the current leaseholder to see the store back in use as soon as possible."

A B&M spokesperson said: “We can confirm that B&M are continuing with discussions with all relevant parties regarding the store in Burnham-on-Sea with a view to taking occupation in future but we cannot reveal any more details at the present time."