work on the new Morrisons store in Whitefield is expected to take place in the New Year.

Demolition of the Brand Centre, which is on the Stanley Road site, has gone out to tender and the building should be taken down in January. The news was announced at Whitefield area board on Tuesday after enquiries from members of the public.

Coun Joan Grimshaw said: "The work couldnt start until the three bungalows in Mather Avenue had been built. They have been completed now."

The supermarket is expected to be open by Christmas 2006.