'Asda should set up in centre of Bognor'

Richard McMann told an audience of business representatives from Bognor and Chichester that the retail giant would be a good addition to Bognor but only in the right location.

A planning application for the work is destined to be submitted to Arun District Council next month.

But Mr McMann said at the Business Futures presentation last week, he remained against the proposals in an area set aside by Arun District Council for industrial uses.

'I've nothing against Asda but not on the site they have chosen. If Asda was in the town centre, I would support it,' he stated.

'It would bring people into the town centre and increase footfall in the town. Morrisons, as the major supermarket in the town centre, needs competition to make sure its standards, products, '˜offer' and service are as keen as they need to be.'

Opening an Asda store in the town centre would also justify the argument that the goods on sale in its full range of products would stop residents travelling to Chichester and Littlehampton to do their supermarket shopping.

The effect on other town centre shops would also be significant as the extra shoppers spent money in them as well, he added.