A NEW outdoor superstore is to be opened on the site of a disused Saltney supermarket.

Go Outdoors, which specialises in tents, camping equipment and outdoor clothing, has confirmed it will move into the 45,325 sq ft former Morrisons site in River Lane.

The store will employ more than 40 people and feature a 6m high indoor climbing wall.

Head of property and business acquisitions for Go Outdoors, Mike Williams, said: “The new store at Saltney will be one of our biggest. The location will give outdoor enthusiasts in North Wales and Cheshire unrivalled access to the Go Outdoors retail experience. And with Snowdonia on our doorstep, it is within touching distance of some of Britain’s most scenic and thriving outdoor areas.”

“We’re looking forward to Saltney becoming a key store in our UK portfolio.”

Saltney councillor Klaus Armstrong-Braun said that this was good news for Saltney residents.

He said: “I am pleased to hear such a well-known retailer will be opening its doors in the town.”

The former Morrisons supermarket has stood empty since 2008 and had become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.

Saltney mayor Cllr Richard Lloyd said: “I am delighted at the news and very pleased to welcome Go Outdoors to Saltney.

“The empty site had been attracting groups of youngsters and was very dangerous. It is now secure and work has started on transforming the site. Hopefully this will bring even more shoppers to Saltney.”

A Morrisons spokesman added: “We are pleased to announce that we have come to an agreement with Go Outdoors for a lease of our former store at Saltney, with work progressing on the site now.”