SUPERMARKET chain Morrisons has said it would ‘love’ to build a store in the Holme Valley.

And the company, which has a superstore in nearby Meltham, has confirmed it is interested in a site in Honley.

The land is believed to be off Woodhead Road and is currently occupied by Keith Drake agricultural merchants and Kirklees Highways department.

But Morrisons says it is considering a Honley site as one of several sites in the Holme Valley.

The firm had remained tight-lipped over their plans for the area.

But Morrisons chiefs revealed their intentions in a conversation with Colne Valley MP Jason Mc-Cartney late last month.

Mr McCartney said: “I have spoken to Morrisons at the headquarters in Bradford and they have said they would love to be able to bring the offer of a Morrisons to the Holme Valley.

“They are looking at various options, one of which is a site in Honley.

“I live in Honley so I will be keen to see what happens.”

But Holme Valley North councillor Terry Lyons said he believed a new superstore would be disastrous for the area.

Clr Lyons said: “I don’t believe we need one. I’m concerned about the impact on Honley village and particularly Woodhead Road. It’s a terrible road already.

“It’s a two-pronged attack if Tesco is coming to Holmfirth. Lidl have just had their plan passed.

“I think it might be too much competition. It will put all kinds of other businesses under threat.

“That’s not to mention the traffic. Add that to the houses that have to be built as part of the LDF (Local Development Framework).

“I’m worried about the infrastructure. The road can’t take it.”

Morrisons declined to make further comments about their plans for the Holme Valley.

A spokesman for Morrisons said: “We are always looking for sites which would be suitable for Morrisons stores, but would not wish to comment further at this stage.”