HOPES that Wellington's new superstore would be open for Christmas have been dashed.

The news will come as a blow to local people who have endured months of upheaval caused by roadworks in the town centre associated with the development, due to end a week before Christmas.

Now, the flagship store could lie empty well into next year.

Jeremy Carter, director of Haslemere, Surrey-based developers Hawks Meadow Properties Limited, said: "It had been hoped to have the store open for the festive season, but Somerfield, who were due to start fitting out in December, have postponed the work until after Christmas."

And he added that it was "unclear" when the store might be ready for trading.

See this week's Wellington Weekly News for more