Wick supermarket told to clean up site

The firm was granted planning permission for its supermarket in Courtwick Lane, Wick, in 2012, with a condition to convert adjoining offices into an enterprise hub for small businesses.

But so far it has failed to do so, leaving a number of units on the former Body Shop site empty. Residents have branded the site an ‘eyesore’ due to its boarded-up doors and smashed windows, while neighbours have previously complained of youngsters hanging around in the car park.

In response, Arun District Council has issued a notice to Morrisons ordering it to clean the site immediately, or further action will be taken.

An Arun District Council spokesman said: “The poor condition of the building has been brought to the council’s attention. Arun has asked Morrisons to take immediate action to improve the situation. It is hoped the building will be in a better state within the next couple of weeks. If Morrisons fail to make the necessary improvements, then the council will take enforcement measures.”

Littlehampton Town Council has also expressed concern by writing a formal letter to Morrisons.

Councillor Derrick Chester said: “I think the main point to make is Morrisons put the enterprise hub in the planning application in 2011 and ever since they got the application it has been left unused. I just think it is a shame it has taken a perfectly good building to be smashed up and outrage from the local community for any action to have been started.”

The empty hub is made up of units that were meant to be filled by businesses, including Arun Medical Group which was supposed to create a new surgery there.

But neither Morrisons or the NHS Coastal West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group have confirmed a date for the surgery’s opening.

A Morrisons spokesperson said: “We take our responsibilities for this site very seriously and will work with Arun Council to resolve the matter.”

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