A supermarket chain is planning to close one of its Bolton stores.

Morrisons made the shock announcement this week that its Breightmet store on Bury Road is earmarked for closure as part of a review being undertaken.

Bosses at the supermarket chain told The Bolton News the decision has been a difficult one to make.

The future of the building and the staff is as yet uncertain.

No date has been announced for when the store will close.

The store, which is next door to Home Bargains, is being sold by the supermarket chain, who said they “do not believe [the store’s] performance is sustainable”.

Home Bargains is not affected.

A spokesman for Morrisons said: “Following a thorough review of the Breightmet store's operation, unfortunately we do not believe performance is sustainable and we are therefore announcing that we have made the difficult decision to propose to close the store. 

"We are endeavouring to communicate and execute these changes carefully and thoughtfully with all those affected. 

 

"We would like to welcome customers in the area to continue shopping with us at our Bolton (Blackhorse Street) store or via Morrisons.com.”

The Blackhorse Street store is around a 10-minute drive from the Breightmet Morrisons and has an estimated walking time of around 50 minutes.

The supermarket was formerly a Safeways store.

Morrisons opened on the site in 2011 weeks after Morrisons bought the former Netto mini-market, securing 52 jobs.

The news has come as a shock to shoppers and local councillors.

Breightmet councillor,  Sean Fielding: "The announcement of the store closure was a shock to me and I know that staff will be feeling anxious about what this means for them.

"I have been in contact with both Usdaw and the director of place at Bolton Council to see what support can be offered to help staff find alternative jobs where necessary.

"I have also made enquiries as to the future of the building once Morrisons have moved out and will keep the community updated." 

Alderman Lynda Byrne, who served as councillor in the area for many years, said: "I didn’t know Morrisons Breightmet was closing.

"We lived just off Breightmet Fold Lane only yards away from Morrisons formally Safeway and remember the supermarket opening in the 1980s.

"Indeed it was the only supermarket (apart from the Co-op)  in Breightmet.

" It will be sad to see it go, even though we have Aldi and Food Warehouse competition is a good thing especially in this day and age when prices for everyday essentials are soaring.

"If Morrisons close I really hope we don’t see another victim of a popular outlet that shuttered up only to become an eyesore."

One shopper told The Bolton News: "I cannot believe the store is closing, this is a real blow to the area.

"I remember it as Safeways and it is such a shame because there seems to have been investment in the area, with a really good retail park.

"I hope another supermarket takes advantage of passing traffic. For some people in the area it will be a real trek to go to another supermarket."