A NEW Morrisons convenience store in Leigh will benefit everyone, according to the retail giant.

Supermarket bosses passed a potential hurdle when town councillors voted in favour of the new store, on the former County Interiors site at 1663 London Road, being allowed to sell alcohol from 8am until midnight.

This came despite several traders in the street expressing their concerns over the plans for yet another supermarket in the area.

However, Morrisons has claimed the M Local will benefit other businesses by increasing footfall.

Morrisons spokesman Laura Stubbs said: “We think it will bring something different to Leigh and believe there is room for everyone. We dedicate more space to fresh food than our competitors, so fruit and veg, meat and fish will always be at the heart of what we sell.

“Our aim is to bring an empty building back to life and we think the extra footfall generated should benefit everyone.”

However, town council chairman Caroline Parker said: “Personally, I think we’ve got too many stores like that in the area already and big supermarkets are killing off our independent shops.

“I also think they shouldn’t be allowed to sell alcohol late in the evening, or early in the morning, because that’s when I understand off-licences do their best trade. However, I was in a minority of one when it came to the vote.”

The licensing application will go to Southend Council for a final decision next month. 

The store is applying to sell alcohol from 6am until midnight.