HUNDREDS of jobs are at risk as a supermarket chain has pulled out of a development scheme.

Newhaven Developments LLP announced this morning that Asda has withdrawn from the Newhaven Eastside Development which promised to bring a new superstore alongside 190 homes.

The plans had been to build a 40,000 sq ft Asda store in Newhaven which the developer estimated would generate around 350 jobs.

The proposal, in conjunction with Asda and Barrett Homes, would also include a hotel, 14 business units and 280 homes on the unused Eastside site in the town.

In a statement issued previously, a spokesman for Asda said: “Our investment is guaranteed”.

The developer confirmed today they have issued High Court proceedings against the supermarket and promised “we are not going to take this lying down and we are going to fight them”.

The High Court proceedings have not yet been served and the developer has confirmed there are going to be 28 days worth of discussions between Newhaven Developments and Asda before the matter is taken further.