Future of store still in doubt after fire

Future of store still in doubt after fire

Staff may be moved to work in other Safeway stores in Cumbria

Bosses at supermarket chain Safeway say it may be some time before a decision is made on the future of its Workington site.

The superstore was gutted by fire, which began on Sunday night.

Seventy-five firefighters from across the county fought the fire, and a skylift device was brought from Dumfries.

The 208 members of staff from the store, on Derwent Drive, have been told that a temporary structure is likely to be erected in the car park.

The company says it hopes eventually to rebuild on the same site, but that further discusions are needed with the landowner.

A Safeway spokeswoman said: "We are looking at an interim possibility of relocating staff to different stores in the nearby area.

"We are also considering erecting a temporary structure in the car park so that our customers have some continuity.

"Our land and property specialists are talking to the landowners about what happens next to the branch."

She said the garage next to the store was trading normally.