SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons has withdrawn its application for a new store in Southampton.

The chain planned to transform the former Blockbuster building in Portswood into a convenience store selling alcohol until midnight.

As revealed in Thursday’s Daily Echo, the plans sparked anger among the community and the late licence application was due to be heard by Southampton City Council.

But the hearing was cancelled as the firm axed its application for a new Morrisons M store.

The company refused to disclose the reasons for the U-turn but the decision was met positively by those against the plans.

Cllr Adrian Vinson, ward representative for Portswood, said: “In my view it’s good news. We have more than our fair share of premises with convenience stores licensed to sell alcohol.

“There is no need for a further convenience store and alcohol outlet in Portswood.

“The fact they have realised this is good news for the residents of Portswood and the diversity of the centre of Portswood.”

Although the firm said the new store would bring 15 to 20 jobs to the area, the proposed site is just yards away from neighbouring Waitrose.

Matthew Zepler, of Russell Place, said: “It’s certainly good for us. It’s all we wanted.”

Jane Jameson, of Russell Place, added: “We are just waiting to see what will happen now. There is cautious optimism. We will have to see what’s next proposed.”

A spokesman for Morrisons said: “We are no longer planning to open the site in Portswood so have withdrawn our application.”

Meanwhile three Co-operative Society stores in the area have had applications for extended alcohol hours granted.

The licensing panel agreed to allow the store in South East Road, Sholing, to sell alcohol between 6am and 11pm Monday to Sunday. The store in Warburton Road, Thornhill, can now sell alcohol between 6am and 11pm Monday to Sunday, while a planned store in Thornhill Park Road will be able to sell alcohol from 5am to midnight Monday to Sunday, if its planning application is granted.