Budgens are reported to be on the brink of pulling out of the Horsefair, Wisbech – less than nine months after opening a store there.

It was one of 36 former Somerfield stores, later acquired by the Co-op, that were brought up last year by the Food Retailer Group.

Horsefair manager Kevin Smith said he was aware of the reports which he suspected had come from staff working there.

“What is going to happen to the store? – no one knows,” said Mr Smith who added that Budgens continued to trade normally amidst the uncertainty.

He agreed Wisbech had a “very competitive” offer in terms of supermarkets but felt the Horsefair, with its prime town centre location, remained an attractive proposition for food retailers.

“Its prime location is a God send for many customers who like the convenience of being able to shop here,” said Mr Smith.