Plans for the controversial development of a new Aughton convenience store are on hold - or might even be abandoned - after a key part of the overall plan was thrown into doubt.

Developer Mike McComb was hoping to build a new 'open all hours' Co-op on the former Mount Carmel School field - adjacent to an exclusive new luxury estate. But it hinged on the Aughton Surgery also moving from Town Green Lane, and that might not now happen....





There was a great deal of opposition to the Co-op proposal but plans were passed by borough councillors with the store set to open later this year.

Colin Atkinson from the Aughton Residents Group told QLocal on Tuesday: "Following on from a query raised by Alan Lenton (of 'West Lancashire Record' fame) and other speculation I heard over the weekend, I rang the surgery to clarify the situation.

"I was told by a receptionist that the move had 'fallen through' with the surgery staying in its current location, but she was unable to go into any further detail."

"I understood that the Co-op store plan was only approved on the understanding that the development of the surgery/pharmacy commenced beforehand.

"Hopefully, we may not now get an 'unwanted and unnecessary' store! Only time will tell!"

One local who QLocal reporter Roger Blaxall spoke to on Tuesday lunchtime said he was happy the plans were scuppered. He added he'd like to see a new car park built on the site for station users who often parked 'dangerously' on Long Lane opposite Aughton Park station.