There is confusion this week over the construction of a new Tesco Superstore in Newtownards after contractors brought in to lay foundations were told they were no longer required, according to the town's newspaper.

The Newtownards Chronicle reports that signage and equipment on the Portaferry Road site have been removed, however Tesco, Ards Borough Council and the Castle Bawn developer Fergal Eastwood have all added assurances the project is not under threat.

In November last year Edwin Poots announced the approval of plans to help rejuvenate the area of the former Ards Abattoir, bringing not only a modern food and convenience goods outlet, but also much needed economic investment.

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At the time he said: "This approval will provide construction jobs along with the £18m investment in the immediate future, and secure some 200 permanent retail jobs. This is another fine example what can be gained from engaging in pre-application discussions where key issues can be identified at an early stage allowing the application to pass through the statutory planning process quickly."

Colin Hampsey Corporate Affairs Manager for Tesco told the paper that the supermarket group is working through "processes" before the building begins.

He said: "As is common with large construction projects we were on site early to conduct site investigations and enabling works which typically include clearing the site, tendering and detailed site survey and analysis."

Mr Hampsey told the paper they hope to return to the site in the coming weeks and anticipate the store completion in 2011.

It is part of several NI-wide developments with construction work already started at an 80,000 sq ft Tesco Extra store in Co Armagh.

That store, next to B&Q at Highfield in Craigavon is an even larger investment of £25m and will create 300 new retail jobs.

(GK/BMcC)