PLANS to create a huge new Morrisons supermarket will see a Co-op demolished and a indoor market built.

The supermarket will replace the existing Co-op shop, off Wickford High Street, by the end of next year as part of a deal between council and supermarket bosses.

Under the new plans, a new indoor market will be built in the Morrisons car park, it has been revealed.

This comes after a new outdoor market was launched on the high street last weekend, with the road now closed every Saturday for six months.

It’s hoped the indoor market will open on weekdays.

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Wickford resident Graham Bradley, pleaded for “simple” measures to be introduced onto the high street to help regenerate the area.

The 45-year-old said: “We need something to give it some colour and character.

“Based off the market at the weekend, we need some seating along the high street.

“There’s been requests before for trees or plants along the high street to give it some life.

“It’s looking quite run down at the moment.”

As part of the Morrisons deal with Basildon Council and Heriot UK, the cut through from the Wickford main car park to the high street will be improved.

Mr Bradley welcomed the improvement and urged council bosses to make the area more inviting for shoppers.

At least 140 jobs will be coming to Wickford as part of the Morrisons supermarket.

David Harrison, councillor of the Wickford Park ward, added: “There’s been talk that Co-op staff weren’t made aware, but that’s simply not true. We delayed the deal announcement so the store could inform staff.

“We’ve been working on this deal for a year. A break clause was implemented in the lease.”

Formal plans will be submitted from June.

New additions to the Morrisons car park include pedestrian crossings and housing for shopping trollies in the centre. The store will be 40,000 square foot in size.

Chairman of property management firm Heriot UK Steve Herring added: “We’re pleased the parties have now reached agreement and the scheme can move forward.

“We are excited to be involved in the proposed town centre redevelopment proposals for Wickford and bringing Morrison’s to the town.”

Co-op was contacted for comment.