SAINSBURY'S has taken the 'tough decision' to shelve plans for a supermarket in Barnsley, saying it is no longer viable.
Bosses revealed the decision was 'not taken lightly' on Tuesday and said a change in shopping trends had left the supermarket giant with no other option but to abandon plans to convert B and Q at Stairfoot into a supermarket.
Sainsbury's revealed the deal to take over and convert the huge 72,000 square feet DIY store on Bleachcroft Way in 2013, which was expected to create about 240 jobs. It secured planning permission from Barnsley Council in July.
B and Q, which employs 84, is to close on September 19 and Sainsbury's will continue to take over lease of the building in November, working with an agent, and landlord Threadneedle, to market the site and find an occupier.
** The full story is in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated June 12. **
