WORK has started on Wellington's new Somerfield superstore.

Surveyors working for Wiveliscombe-based Mike Stacey Builders moved into the empty former KwikSave store in preparation for its demolition, and ecologists have carried out a bat survey.

Jeremy Carter, director of Haslemere, Surrey-based developer Hawks Meadow Properties, which is managing the regeneration of the High Street site, told the WWN: "Demolition of the old building is due to start in May. "We very much hope Somerfield will be trading by Christmas."

Properties fronting the High Street between the former KwikSave building and The Dressing Room, and are also due to come down to make way for an access way into the 140-space shoppers' car park via a revamped junction off High Street with Longforth Road.

Mr Carter said: "The operation to demolish the exisiting properties will be a delicate one, as they are alreay shored up due to their decrepit state, and an adjoining property is also involved."

He said the demolished row is to be replaced with retail units, with dwellings above.

The site, which has lain derelict since KwikSave pulled out five years ago, is owned by Standard LIfe. The new store will have a total of 21,000 sqare feet, with 14,000 square feet of sales space, three times the size of the exsisting Somerfield shop in Fore Street.

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