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Sainsbury's vows to press ahead with store plans following cinema fire
A suspected arson at the old Odeon cinema in Aylesbury has led to renewed calls for Sainsbury's to press ahead with its plans to rejuvenate that part of town.
Around 30 firefighters were called out to the blaze, which damaged the ground floor of the art deco building.
Sainsbury's won planning permission three years ago for a new superstore to replace its existing shop in Buckingham Street.
Under the proposals, the cinema would be demolished.
However, the supermarket giant has yet to start work on the scheme, instead opting to concentrate on opening a controversial local shop in Oakfield Road.
Honorary secretary of the Aylesbury Society, Roger King, said the old Odeon building was the 'worst derelict site of the lot, especially following the fire'.
"It's a blimming great eyesore. "For me it is absolutely imperative they redevelop that site.
"It would bring a bit of life back into that end of town," he added.
A spokesman for Sainsbury's confirmed they were still looking to build the new store and were working to renew its planning permission, which lapses after three years.
He said: "We remain committed to improving our offer to customers in Aylesbury.
"There are a number of issues to overcome in order to deliver a new Sainsbury's foodstore in the town, which we are working towards resolving."
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Weather for Aylesbury
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
