RUMOURS that Bromsgrove's ASDA supermarket is set to close have been quashed by a spokesman for the supermarket giant.

Several residents contacted the Advertiser to say they had heard the rumours that had been circulating that ASDA was pulling out of the town.

According to the rumours the firm was looking to close its store because of its plans for a major supermarket in Redditch and because another supermarket giant, Sainsbury's, is set to build its new store not far from the town centre in Birmingham Road.

Some residents also speculated that the store could be closing as early as next year, leading to a number of job losses.

But a spokesman for ASDA has moved to stress there are no plans to close the town centre store.

In a short statement the spokesman added it was simply a rumour, and nothing more than that.

ASDA has been at the Market Street site since the 1990s, taking over from previous occupier Gateway supermarket that replaced Fine Fair - the original supermarket that was built on the land after the closure of the town's cattle market.

Over the years millions of pounds have been spent on expanding and refurbishing the store. The most recent revamp took place last year with new features added, including the introduction of several self service checkouts.

ASDA has also become involved in the wider community through various fundraising initiatives, and was a vocal supporter of the campaign to save the nearby Recreation Ground when its future was put in doubt, after Bromsgrove District Council considered developing that site.