‘Delayed’ Barnham Tesco should be open by Christmas

The supermarket giant has been carrying out work on the former Barnham Bridge Inn for more than a year.

Barnham Parish Council has reported a delay in the project, and Tesco has said the new store should be open before the end of the year.

A statement from Barnham Parish Council clerk Alison Crabb published on the website, said: “Following enquiries from the public at the meeting of Barnham Parish Council on September 7, the clerk has received the following response from Tesco:

“We are sorry the redevelopment of the site is no further forward and can imagine the parish council and residents’ frustration.

“We can advise that the planning applications for the site have been delayed.

“However, the business is hopeful they will be submitted in the very near future.

“In respect of the state of the site people from Tesco will be sent to check the state of the hoardings/buildings and tidy up where possible.

“Arun District Council has also informed the parish council that following a recent communication from Tesco, one of their officers is due to meet with their representatives on site where the parish council’s safety concerns will be conveyed.”

Tesco began work on the former pub, opposite Barnham Railway Station, in August last year, with hoardings put up around the front of the building which remain in place.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We are still hoping to open the store, serve local customers and play our part in the local community.

“When we are closer to an opening date we will certainly let the community know, it is intention to open before the end of this year.”

He added that 20 new jobs would be created by the new store.

Barnham has a co-operative store, as well as the Barnham Trading Post, along with a number of restaurants and takeaways.

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