SAFEWAY has pulled out of the development to build a new supermarket in Eccles. But the company has passed the development on to one of its rivals -- Morrisons.

The site has been assembled by Salford City Council under a compulsory purchase order and was due to be developed by Safeway under a legal agreement. However, it was revealed this week that Safeway has transferred its interest in the development to Morrisons supermarkets.

The change has come as a result of a business decision by Safeway, whose bosses have decided to reduce the number of stores they play to open nationally. Morrisons now expect to open the new store in Autumn 2001.

The development is part of an overhaul in Eccles. Metrolink has been extended into the town, the market has been moved into the heart of the shopping precinct, a large part of Church Street is about to be pedestrianised and a by-pass is being built.