THE final whistle has been blown on ambitious plans to build a giant supermarket on Runcorn's football ground.

Widnes property developers Morbaine announced they were pulling out this week after failing to win the support of Halton Council.

The company has been trying to get planning permission to develop the Canal Street site for more than two years.

Runcorn FC backed the bid as a lifeline to their cash crisis and fund the building of a new homeground.

Morbaine's proposals were rejected by Halton Council as they breached the Local Plan and councillors felt the retail store would jeopardise both the Old Town and Halton Lea.

Morbaine has now withdrawn their appeal lodged against the council's decision.

A spokesman for Morbaine said: "The development would have created 300 new jobs and given a beneficial boost to residents of Runcorn Old Town.

"Despite local support for the scheme, which Morbaine believes complements Halton Council's own proposals for the redevelopment of Old Runcorn, the company was unable to get the support of local councillors or council officers for the proposals."

Morbaine has just won approval for a £6 million pound retail development at Bridgewater, Somerset. The company is also in final negotiation for a new £20 million retail development in Kidderminster, West Midlands.

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