Peacehaven Erupts: 100+ Locals Demand Morrisons Supermarket Now
Over 100 furious locals in Peacehaven hit the streets today (September 27) to demand Morrisons finally deliver a long-promised town centre supermarket. The protest kicked off at 10am outside the Meridian Centre, with Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven MP Chris Ward and town councillors rallying behind the crowd.
Chants and March: “What Do We Want? A Supermarket!”
The peaceful rally soon turned into a vibrant march, snaking down Roderick Avenue to South Coast Road before finishing near the roundabout car park. Protesters chanted loudly: “What do we want? A supermarket! When do we want it? Now!” Their frustration couldn’t be louder or clearer.
Peacehaven Left Without a Major Grocery Store
The outcry follows months of simmering anger since the Co-op supermarket shut its doors back in February. Without a major grocery store in town, residents are forced to travel all the way to Newhaven or Brighton – journeys made tougher by patchy public transport.
Chris Ward blasted Morrisons: “Residents have waited years for Morrisons to deliver on their promise. It’s time for action – either build the supermarket this town desperately needs or sell the site so others can.”
Morrisons’ Supermarket Promise Stalled by Rising Costs
Morrisons won planning permission years ago for the Meridian Centre redevelopment, which included a shiny new supermarket and upgraded town centre facilities. But the project has dragged its feet amid soaring construction costs and shifting retail trends.
Last October, Morrisons told Sussex News they were working on a “revised proposal” that’s more financially viable and tailored to local needs. But since then? No real progress – ratcheting up outrage across Peacehaven.
Campaigners Vow to Keep Up the Fight
Today’s protest is just the start, say campaigners, who promise fierce pressure on Morrisons to finally deliver.
One marcher told us, “We’ve been left high and dry for too long. Peacehaven needs a supermarket – it’s not a luxury, it’s essential.” MP Chris Ward pledged to keep pushing Morrisons for answers but warned: “The community cannot wait indefinitely.”
