A major expansion plan for a Worthing superstore has passed the first hurdle.

Worthing councillors agreed earlier this week in principle to an application by Safeway to demolish its existing High Street store and build a larger, modern one with more facilities.

The new development would include a petrol

station, larger restaurant, creche, a dry cleaners, cashpoint machines and more parking spaces.

It could also see the creation of up to 100 new jobs once the new facilities are up and running.

The boundaries of the new development would lie along the High Street, Lyndhurst Road and Park Road.

This means the giant gas tower, which has been based on the corner of Lyndhurst Road and Park Road for more than 100 years, will be removed.

Council planning officers say it could take up to three years before the new store is built as investigations have to be made of the site when the tower is removed to ensure the land has not been contaminated.

Coun Reg Green welcomed the application and added: "I think it is great news for the town and will encourage a lot more visitors and create more jobs."

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