The development of the new Morrisons store in Abergavenny has moved a step closer as contractors begin to clear the cattle market site.

Despite growing concerns in the town that the development was in jeopardy, specialist contractors moved onto the site early this week, to start preliminary works, which include demolition.

According to a spokesman for the supermarket firm, the demolition and site clearance works are being undertaken at this stage as a safety precaution and to prepare the site for construction works in 'due course'.

In the coming weeks Monmouthshire County Council's archaeologists will begin a detailed investigation of the site ahead of its development.

The news comes following many concerns across the town that Morrisons may have been considering pulling out of the development. These fears were fanned by the recent announcement of the company's £176 million annual pre-tax loss.

With little movement on the cattle market site since the final sale was held there in late November ahead of the relocation of the livestock market to its new home at Bryngwyn, local concerns had grown that Morrisons could be considering pulling out of the multi-million pound deal.

This combined with a lack of updates from Morrisons left residents uncertain about the future of the development.

Councillor Chris Woodhouse has expressed his delight that the work is now moving ahead with the development, and said he has had no concerns about the rumours that have been surrounding the town and the development.

"Many of the rumours that have been passing through the town have been from those who don't want the development to come, but in order for the town to do well, we need the footfall and Morrisons will bring that.

"Some people were concerned that the town would suffer from the move of the cattle market, but I have not seen any less people in town on a Tuesday now than there were before the move.

"The development will put Abergavenny pounds into Abergavenny pockets, and I am sure it will benefit many of the other businesses in the town. At the moment many people go to Brynmawr or Cwmbran or other places to do their shopping and, with such a big supermarket coming here, I hope it will bring even more people to the town."

He also said he was not concerned over the news of Morrisons losses, commenting on the fact that Sainsburys has also experienced similar losses, and applauding the company's commitment to lowering prices overall rather than relying on discounting items.

He said, "The fact that they are aiming to have prices as competitive as Aldi is good news for people in the town, especially the pensioners."

Monmouthshire County Council has now confirmed it has signed a licence agreement with Morrisons to allow it to complete the demolition of the remaining buildings on the former livestock market site.

Following this, the sale of the site will become unconditional in three months, at which point both parties will enter into a development agreement so that construction work can commence on the 250,000 square foot building with a cafe and parking facilities for 289 vehicles.

Morrisons Development Executive, Robin Langford said, "This is an important step towards the delivery of this store. I would like to thank residents and shoppers for their continued patience and will share further details on timings once the construction programme has been finalised."

Councillor Bob Greenland, Monmouthshire County Council deputy Leader said, "So many people have commented to me recently that they are looking forward to Morrisons coming to town.

"It is therefore good news that we will now see progress on the site," he added.