Sainsbury has heard the cry of a south London community desperate for a new supermarket.

The retailer is set to take over a former Morrisons store in Upper Norwood, near Croydon, by August. Retailers had claimed that since the Morrisons store closed its doors in November last year there had been a sharp fall in the number of people coming to the area, affecting their trade (The Grocer, February 11, p12).

Ian Payne, councillor for Upper Norwood and cabinet member for economic development and corporate services at Croydon Council, said that he was "absolutely delighted" that Sainsbury would be coming to the town.

He said: "This is absolutely super news. We have always wanted a retail outlet there and are pleased that Sainsbury is arriving in Upper Norwood. Sainsbury is keen to be part of, and foster, the local community, so we are looking forward to working with it."