AS BUILDING work starts on a new Morrisons in Abergavenny, uncertainty remains over the final designs of the store.

Abergavenny and District Civic Society says it is still unclear what the car park for the new supermarket on the former Cattle Market site in Lion Street will look like, despite the store being due to open early next year.

Concerns were raised about the designs for the car park back in April. The civic society said it was initially promised the car park would be in keeping with the surrounding landscape.

However the society said the revised design was changed to a tarmac car park, which it says would not be in keeping with the surroundings of a historic market town.

Tony Konieczny, vice-chairman of the civic society, said it remains unclear whether the issues over the car park have been resolved.

“The initial designs which were approved included wanting to remove some of the buildings on the site and re-using the stone to make the supermarket in keeping with its surroundings,” he said.

“However the revised designs did not seem to incorporate these plans and included a big car park that they were going to tarmac. I don’t know if it has been resolved.”

A spokeswoman for Morrisons confirmed work has started at the former Cattle Market site ahead of construction.

Cllr Bob Greenland, deputy leader of Monmouthshire County Council, said he believes the store will bring a boost to Abergavenny.

“I am pleased that work has begun after a long and drawn out process,” Cllr Greenland said.

“The store will bring many new customers to Abergavenny and also potential customers who will visit other shops in the town.”

A spokeswoman for Morrisons said: “Morrisons Abergavenny will offer great value fresh foods hand made in store and will also employ over 100 people so we’re very pleased to reach this exciting milestone.”