SAINSBURY’S has moved to quash rumours it is set to pull out of a proposed multi-million pound store in Bromsgrove.

Rumours circulating the town are that the supermarket giant’s planned 45,000 square foot store at Bromsgrove Retail Park opposite the Victoria Ground, was set to fall through.

Just over a year ago the supermarket giant was given planning permission for the store to be built at the Birmingham Road site.

Full planning permission is to be granted following the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 agreement to contribute £500,000 in improving vehicular and pedestrian access to the site, including the Strand, Birmingham Road and Parkside crossroads junction.

Rumours seemed to had gathered pace from the failure to complete this agreement, and because the firm failed in an attempt to persuade those currently on the site, including Co-operative supermarket, Lush and a petrol station, to move to an alternate site.

The lease is not due to expire until 2013.

Labour councillor Rory Shannon contacted the Advertiser to say he had heard the rumour the store is in doubt, as Sainbury’s did not want to build two supermarkets within the same catchment area, following the announcement the retailer is planning to built a 85,000 square foot store at Longbridge’s regeneration site.

But the firm is stressing it is committed to making the Bromsgrove store a reality.

Sainbury's regional development executive, Michael Adenmosun, said: “Sainsbury’s is in talks with the council to progress the development.

“There are still a number of issues to be resolved before any dates can be confirmed, but it is still Sainsbury’s intention to come to Bromsgrove.”

Leader of the council Roger Hollingworth said as far as he was aware the store remained on “track" and the rumours are wide of the mark.