RETAIL giant Morrisons have unveiled their planned new look for Meltham.

Artists’ impressions were put on show to the public as the supermarket giant looks to submit expansion plans.

The firm yesterday revealed details of its proposals to nearly double the store’s shop floor space – and add a further 66 parking spaces – in an exhibition at the supermarket.

The store, on Station Street, currently has 13,242 sq ft of trading space but Morrisons hopes to increase this to 24,107 sq ft.

The new Morrisons store plan includes a raised car park deck and wider shopping aisles.

The company hopes to submit its plans to Kirklees Council in approximately four weeks.

Councillors will be expected to decide on Morrisons’ application in June.

Morrisons spokesman Mark Hill said: “The store gets really busy and we want to make sure the shopping experience is better for people.

“Morrisons prides itself on fresh produce so it’s about making the offer better for customers and having wider aisles and an increase in car parking.

“We’re getting good feedback today. I don’t think there’s anything majorly contentious.”

In December, Tesco submitted plans to build a superstore, with 23,000 sq ft of trading space, on the former Midlothian Garage site, New Mill Road, Holmfirth.

But Mr Hill denied the company was reacting to Tesco’s plan for fear of losing business.

He said: “It’s separate from the Tesco issue. It’s simply to focus on catering for the needs of our customers here.”

Some customers welcomed Morrisons’ proposals.

Andrea Williams, 62, of Slaithwaite, said: “I’d like to see a bigger Morrisons, like the one in Waterloo where there’s more car parking.

“The Meltham store has a lot on sale but not as much as Waterloo – and the aisles are too narrow.”

Bob Taylor, 69, of Slaithwaite, said: “I’d like to see a Morrisons here with wider aisles.

“Queuing here takes too long and they need to bring their prices down.”

Linda Taylor, 53, of Slaithwaite, added: “I think this would have something to do with the Tesco plan in Holmfirth.

“We’d definitely welcome an expanded Morrisons in Meltham.”