RESIDENTS are today growing frustrated with the lack of work taking place on a building site where a superstore is to be built.

RESIDENTS are today growing frustrated with the lack of work taking place on a building site where a superstore is to be built.

Work at the Stoke Park Drive Asda development started in February but the company working alongside the store has abandoned the project, leaving the supermarket chain without a development partner.

Residents are now complaining that building work has grinded to an abrupt halt.

Asda said the delay is “disappointing” but that it is working to deliver “the best possible scheme.”

Kenneth Bristow, of Stoke Park Drive, said: “As a local resident I'm very concerned about this.

“They've not done a stroke of work for six weeks and they're supposed to be building a new store.

“They've demolished all the local stores that were there before and, although they were a bit run down, I'd rather that than nothing at all.”

David Jacobs, who works near the development, said: “It will never be done by November unless they get a move on.”

The 25,000 sq ft store is due to be opened in November.

A spokeswoman for Asda said: “Asda were previously working with Citigate Developments, and that company continues to operate successfully in the Ipswich area.

“Citigate were to be responsible for the part of the development involving the additional retail units and the residential apartments.

“Earlier this year we reached a mutually acceptable agreement to terminate that arrangement.

“We are now seeking a new development partner to work with us to deliver this exciting regeneration scheme in the Stoke Park area of Ipswich.

“Whilst the delay is disappointing, this is a long term development and it is important that we deliver the best possible scheme, unfortunately that involves a couple of months delay at this early stage.

“We do hope to be back on site at the earliest opportunity and will be writing to residents to let them know when that will be.”

Paul West, councillor for Stoke Park, said: “I'm concerned about it but I'm reassured by the Asda company that everything is on track.

“However, people don't like uncertainty. I don't like uncertainty. I'd rather the site was up and ready rather than looking like a building site.

“The day the Asda store and all the supporting facilities are complete can't come a day too soon.”

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