THE news that Tesco is to ditch its plans to build a supermarket on the Northgate site in Bridgwater has been hailed by many as a “good thing for Bridgwater”.

Last week the Mercury reported that the retail giant is negotiating severance deals with both Sedgemoor District and Somerset County Councils to allow it to withdraw from the proposal.

Responding to the revelation, Bridgwater Forward member Bob Cudlipp told the Mercury: “I have been away for Christmas and have come back to very good news regarding Tesco and the Northgate site.

“I am very pleased – it’s a good thing for Bridgwater.”

He added that the Bridgwater Forward group will be meeting later this month to discuss the matter and consider what the future holds for the site.

Meanwhile Atomman commented online: “I think that this must be seen as good news, Bridgwater has more than enough supermarkets for a town of its size.”

Responding to the story on the Mercury’s Facebook page Jaye Sheppard wrote: “The Northgate site has always been a stupid idea – the town isn’t car-friendly as is.”

Derek Gibson MBE, president of Bridgwater & District Civic Society, sent in a letter considering what could happen to the former Splash site now.

He wrote: “I ask the district council to think carefully as to what development will best serve Bridgwater and choose to include a genuine community use as a target for future redevelopment.

“The days of massive supermarket developments are now recognised, even by the concerned major companies, as a past trend.”