WE want a Morrisons store in Whitefield!

That was the overwhelming opinion of people who attended a public exhibition, according to organisers Dransfield Properties.

Dransfield held a two-day exhibition in Whitefield Methodist Church hall to show residents what they are planning for the former Brand Centre site. A scale model of the proposed Morrisons supermarket was on display.

People were asked to fill in questionnaires and asked whether they approved of the plans.

Spokesman for Dransfield, Amanda Holmes, said that by 5pm on Wednesday they had received 220 completed forms.

She said: "214 people are in favour of our scheme, three don't know and only three are against. We are encouraged by that and it shows a lot of support for our scheme. We knew there was a need for a supermarket in Whitefield, but even we didn't expect that amount of support."

The Barnsley-based development company hope their scheme will be approved early next year, so that the development could be completed by January 2005.

Visiting the exhibition was Mr Tom Fitton, of Stanley Close, which is at the rear of the proposed development.

He said: "A supermarket is desperately needed, especially for elderly people, as some people without a car struggle to get to do their shopping. They have to rely on taxis and that can be expensive. A development like this would be within walking distance for quite a large area."

A member of Whitefield Methodist Church said: "I think the plans are quite good. It seems to be a better option for Whitefield than more houses and flats."

Dransfield will give a presentation of the scheme at a special meeting of Whitefield and Unsworth Area Board on November 18.