SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury’s has dramatically pulled out of plans to redevelop a decrepit industrial site in Golborne.

The plans to create a 60,000sq ft superstore and petrol station on Millingford Industrial Estate were given the go-ahead last month, and would have created more than 400 jobs for the town.

But now the supermarket chain has quashed the plans and said the proposal is ‘no longer viable’.

A spokesman for Sainsbury’s said: “We thoroughly examined all the options but unfortunately it became clear that the proposals in Golborne are no longer viable.

“We understand this decision will come as a disappointment but, as a responsible business, we need to consider all new investments very carefully.

“This is not a decision we took lightly, and we would like to thank everyone locally for their support for the application.”

Peter Franzen, chairman of Golborne Community Forum, is calling on rival company Asda to relocate from its existing 40-year-old site and utilise the plans that have been granted full council approval.

Peter said: “I’m not usually in favour of big supermarkets taking business away from shops in town centres but I think this could be something great for Golborne.

“Sainsbury’s could have had around 2,000 customers a day at their superstore, which would attract people into the town, and they would then be within walking distance of the shops in the town centre.”

He added: “If Sainsbury’s can’t make it viable, will another supermarket be able to?

“It’s a big investment, particularly with people not spending much money due to the current economic climate.

“Why not buy the site, build a new store and make use of the plans that have already been approved?”

Peter has contacted Asda to see whether it would be interested in the site and he is awaiting a reply.