Supermarket bosses are expected to announce the new occupier of the Sainsbury's building in Pitsea in the next couple of weeks.

A number of companies have expressed an interest in the Northlands Pavement site.

The store closed in May because of tough competition from the nearby Tesco Extra store.

Many elderly people living within a short walk of the store were outraged when the decision was made to close - protesting they could not get to Tesco and that it was too big for them to get around.

Both food and non-food stores are in the running to take over the reigns of the derelict building.

A Tesco spokeswoman refused to comment on rumours it would reopen the Sainsbury's site itself.

Pitsea market manager Frank Nash has put in his offer for part of the building, which he believes would be sold easier in parts.

His move comes as part of a massive restructuring programme planned for the popular market.

The market could be set to have an extra 85 car parking spaces alongside the supermarket site, if Basildon Council accepts the plans.

Mr Nash said: "I would be interested in the whole building if the price was right. As far as I am concerned the price has been set far too high.

"If we do take the building on, we would set up some indoor stalls. It would be nice if we had half and something like a sports centre moved in next door."

The overhaul could also see changing rooms and extra toilets set up for shoppers.

An existing toilet block would be demolished and replaced with a main entrance to give the market a welcome point.

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