BASILDON Council has ordered a developer planning to redevelop an old supermarket site to demolish the building because it has become an "eyesore."

The authority has demanded Hariot UK get on with redeveloping the former Co-Op site in Wickford, for which official redevelopment plans are expected to be submitted soon. 

It is thought an Asda store and flats are set to be included in the regeneration of the area in the town. 

Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of the council, said: "We have issued what is called a section 215 notice that is a notice to the developer to say they need to demolish the building now because it is an eyesore. We are waiting for them to put forward a planning application, they have told many people they will be putting forward a planning application, we wait to see what that is, what that looks like.

"The frustration for me is that we should have a Morrisons on that site already, three years ago I did the deal with Morrisons to make that happen.

"The Conservative Party came in and they decided to go back on that deal and nothing has happened in three years and we've been left with a pretty sorry state.

"We've set some deadlines for the developer to come forward with their plans. 

"They definitely need to demolish the Co-Op building because it is an eyesore, I understand the strength of feeling from the Wickford public, they want to see a supermarket, a good retail offer.

"I don't think we should go for a low end budget retailer or supermarket, I think we should get a decent supermarket in Wickford Town Centre, with better shops, with better footfall experience, better parking, with all the things a modern town centre needs to attract money and investment and the people of Wickford what they deserve."

A spokesman for the developer said: "Heriot has confirmed it will demolish the building once it has obtained planning permission for the redevelopment of the site.

"A planning application will be submitted as soon as possible."