A supermarket giant has confirmed it will be moving into a high street - just months after the owners of their new site denied rumours they were selling up.

Sainsbury's has agreed a lease to takeover the Reflections bathroom store in Portland Road, Hove, and plans to open one of its Local chain of convenience shops there early next year.

The news has upset other traders in the area who launched a petition in February to campaign against a "big-name supermarket" moving in after rumours of a sale spread.

At that time staff at Reflections assured them nothing was happening and even put up signs in the windows informing people they were there to stay.

But new concerns were raised after the bathroom firm moved earlier this month and refurbishment work started.

This week staff from Reflections said they had been temporarily moved to sister-store Plumbase on the nearby Portland Industrial Estate, in Portland Road, Hove.

They said they would be returning after the refurbishment but were elusive about the long-term future.

Yesterday a Sainsbury’s spokesman revealed what was happening.

He said: “We have agreed a lease on the Reflections store in Portland Road for a Sainsbury’s Local convenience store, with a view to opening early 2010.”

Workers at other shops in Portland Road said they were concerned a large chain store could damage the independent businesses which gave the area its character.

Councillor Brian Oxley, who represents the area on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "It is surprising a large retail enterprise like Sainsbury's hasn't sought to engage in any dialogue with the community, particularly given the concern when the issue was raisedjust a few months ago.

"We can't be too critical because a store would bring jobs which will make a difference to people's lives but it is worrying that it will have an impact on the unique diversity the traders have worked to create in Portland Road."