Neighbours and businesses are cautiously welcoming another supermarket chain to the heart of Twickenham.

Morrisons is the latest supermarket planned for the town, in the case Heath Road, joining giants such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

Stuart Sandys from Sandys Fishmongers, in King Street, said: “It will be a welcome boost to that end of the high street. Heath Road needs urgent help to integrate it in to the main part of Twickenham and this will help.”

Morrisons was awarded a licence to sell alcohol on Wednesday, July 3, clearing the way for the new store’s opening.

Mr Sandys said: “From a competitors point of view it is a challenge. Their late hours and competitive pricing will be a challenge, but Sandys thrives on that and will continue to concentrate on what makes us strong – quality and service.

“We will give the supermarkets a good run for their money.”

John Cooper of Cousins greengrocer, in King Street said: “I don’t think it will be a bad thing. It might bring more people further down this way but maybe it is one supermarket too many.”

Builders are already hard at work to fit-out the new premises in the old Blockbuster store which has lain derelict since March.

Waitrose, Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Iceland are already represented in Twickenham.

Mr Cooper said: “We are quite busy and have a lot of loyal customers. We are such a big part of the community and I don’t think the community like the supermarkets too much.”