A DECISION is set to be made on a controversial Morrisons supermarket plan for Wallingford next month, as town councillors back the scheme.

South Oxfordshire District Council’s planning committee will be asked to make a decision on the Hithercroft industrial estate plan on June 12.

A planning officer will recommend whether to accept or reject the plan and their report is expected to be made public on May 31.

The 30,000sq ft store and petrol station would create up to 300 full and part-time jobs. A planning application was submitted in November.

Wallingford Town Council voted to support the scheme last week.

Council member Lynda Atkins, pictured, said: “I’m really glad the plans are finally going to get to the committee and I will hopefully be going along to speak on behalf of the people of Wallingford who overwhelmingly want it to go ahead.

“I just think it will be a real boost for the town, but it will be good to know one way or the other.”

Wallingford mayor Ros Lester said: “I hope it comes out the right way. There is a lot of support for it around the town.

“I have been talking about it with people today and I haven’t heard anyone other than a few traders speak against it. Everyone says it will be the best thing for Wallingford, creating lots of jobs with fabulous food.

“People often go to Didcot supermarkets for more choice and I am sure people from Didcot would love to shop in Morrisons and go to Wallingford.”

The firm said the store would bring £25m of investment and £6.7m a year to the town, though some traders fear a loss of business.