Morrisons plans - Pet shop may have to close to make way for Bognor superstore

The company's superstore plans involve demolishing the three buildings between the High Street entrance to its car park and Bedford Street.

But shop owner Mr Hand said: "I'm surprised. I didn't know anything about Morrisons' plans at all."

The ground floor of the middle of these premises has been occupied since early this year by Bognor Pet Supplies.

The well-established retailer is 65 years old. Mr Hand said he was unaware of the threat to its continuation in the High Street.

"We moved in only a few months ago and we are about to sign a ten-year lease. I don't know how Morrisons will get on if we sign our lease.

"I will be very upset if we have to move out again. We need a presence in the High Street. That's why we moved there."

Mr Hand took over the business seven years ago. It was based in Station Road until that shop was closed last year.

But Mr Hand, who also owns a pet supplies shop in Felpham, returned to the town centre by moving into part of the former Jobcentre.

He employs two members of staff at the town-centre shop.

"We are as busy there as we were in Station Road," he said.

He said he believed Morrisons could achieve its ambition by leaving the buildings standing and concentrating its efforts around its under-used car park entrance next door.

The offices on the upper two floors of the former Jobcentre are occupied by various tenants. The building is owned by a property company, Landmaster Properties.

Also at risk from Morrisons' plans is the Natwest bank branch. A spokeswoman said it had been officially informed about the proposals but it was too soon to comment.

The businesses are completed by Poppins Restaurant. No-one responded to the Observer's request for a comment.

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