© South Wales Evening Post - 10 September 2005
Campaigners limbering up for a fight with a supermarket giant will have to wait a few more months for the bell to ring. Bosses at Asda say they are still some way off submitting plans for their controversial new store in Gorseinon.
The company, owned by US giant Wal-Mart, was expected to reveal its plans this month but has now said that will be a few months away.
Campaigners say they will be ready whenever the supermarket chain make its move to create its second store in Swansea.
Gorseinon Chamber of Trade Phillip Sillick said: "We were told some time ago that the application would be made at the end of September or October but if they say they are months away they may have a problem that we don't know about.
"They have been doing soil samples down there. The old tinplate works was actually sited at that point and the plant there kept acid vats."
Plans for the store near the town's Somerfield supermarket have met with strong opposition since the Swansea Council announced its intention to sell the land to Asda for around for £11.5 million subject to planning permission.
The site had previously been earmarked for a new bowls hall,Local traders are concerned for their livelihoods if the store is approved.
Mr Sillick said: "Traders are very concerned that they will lose out if a supermarket is built in this locality.
"We have built up a town that is quite healthy and active and they don't want to see it go.
"As soon as the plan is in then we will be up and running but we can't do anything until Asda put their plans forward."
An Asda spokesman said the company expected movement in the next few months and would consult with local people.
He said: "We are working through the contract. The next big thing will be the submission of the planning application. That is some months away."
