Morrisons defeated in the Wadebridge store wars battle

Morrisons has scrapped all plans to open a supermarket in Wadebridge.

After years of wrangling, the battle was won by Sainsbury's in August when Cornwall Council's strategic planning committee voted in favour of its development over that of Morrisons.

Morrisons vowed to fight the decision, saying it was unhappy at the manner in which the applications were considered, but has now revealed that it will walk away from the town.

The firm was working with Wadebridge Town Football Club and Merriman Development to build a supermarket, a petrol station and office buildings on part of the club's land at Bodieve Park.

The money gained from the sale would have helped the club to build more modern facilities.

Morrisons's development director, Mark Thompson, said: "While we're very disappointed that we're unable to bring Morrisons to Wadebridge, we're not intending to appeal or seek legal redress over the decision.

"We're very grateful for the support we received from local residents during the planning process.

"In particular, we would like to wish Wadebridge Town Football Club the very best for the future.

"Meanwhile, we will continue to invest in Cornwall."

Steve Cudmore, who has been involved with the club since 1965 and its chairman for the past ten years, said he was very disappointed.

"The money from the sale of the land was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he said.

"It was going to benefit not only the club, but the town and wider community. There's no way the club will ever be able to generate that type of money again. It's such a shame, as we had so many aspirations for the club, but we will, as ever, continue to provide good quality training and strive to do the best we can."

Mr Cudmore confirmed that Merriman Development was now working on a new scheme for the site which would be revealed in the new year, but would not involve a supermarket.