Tesco has refuted claims that it may have pulled out of the new site at The Cups.

Tesco was granted planning permission for an Express store at The Cups, Wantz Road, Maldon, last New Years Eve.

Work on the site was due to begin in the summer for an autumn opening, but in July the company announced it had postponed the opening date until next Spring, due to problems with the drainage system.

Residents believed the company had pulled out of the site when contractors were seen removing temporary barriers last week, but the company denied this.

A Tesco spokesman said: “We are looking forward to serving the local community and hope to open the store in the spring of next year.”