RESIDENTS are overwhelmingly in favour of retail giant Morrisons opening a new supermarket in Colchester, a Gazette poll has revealed.

The firm is the only UK supermarket giant not to have a presence in the town.

Its arrival has been rumoured for more than a decade, most recently at the Cowdray Centre before homes plans were approved for the site.

And it appears if the brand were to open in the town, it would have no shortage of customers.

The Gazette asked readers whether they would like to see Morrisons open a store in the town in a poll on our website. Out of 708 respondents, 92 per cent said yes.

See the full results here.

Readers also took to the Gazette Facebook page to urge the brand to come to the town. Katy Lock said: “Yes, I love the variety of shopping around in different stores they have a great fresh meat selection at good prices.”

Jo N Gary Wheeler said: “By far the best quality in supermarkets. Their customer service is exemplary.”

Ashley Mizielinski added: “Yes as it’s the only one we haven’t got, and the deli counters are really good.”

Councillor Martin Goss said the store would be a welcome addition to the town. He said: “Having more variety in Colchester is key and I would personally welcome Morrisons opening here to provide a slightly different product and new jobs.

“Given the strong positive feeling of residents I have already reached out to the chief executive of Morrisons and I am pleased to confirm they are interested in exploring Colchester as a future site.”

“It’s without question if they do choose to open here they would get a very warm welcome and have a very successful and thriving business which can only be good for Colchester and Morrisons.”

The Gazette contacted Morrisons but did not receive a response by the time of going to press.