Sainsbury's has confirmed it is going ahead with opening its new supermarket in Herne Bay after a three-year delay.

The store at Altira Park was given planning permission in 2015 and the shell has been built but it has remained empty.

However, bosses have been talking to Canterbury City Council about a revised plan for a slightly smaller 50,000 sq ft shop with a six-pump petrol station. They hope to start work by the end of the year.

They have not given an opening date.

The supermarket's development surveyor Mark Rush admitted in a letter to councillors: "I recognise some time has passed since construction of the store was complete and appreciate there has been some disappointment locally that we've not been able to commence training sooner."

He blamed the delay on the effects of a downturn in retail trading.

But he has promised the new store will include an Argos, Sainsbury's branded food and a Tu clothing range and confirmed it will create new full and part-time jobs.

The supermarket, which recently announced a £110 million boost in minimum staff pay from £8 to £9.20 an hour, making it the highest paying retailer in the country, also has a store at nearby Chestfield.

The original plan was for a 60,000 sq ft store and a six-pump petrol station.

It has been estimated the development would create up to 225 jobs.

There had been speculation the proposed merger between Sainsbury's and Asda could have put the scheme in jeopardy. Asda has a large store in Sturry Road, Canterbury.

The move was welcomed by City councillor Neil Baker, who said today: "This is the news we have been waiting for and shows Sainsbury's still has confidence Herne Bay.

"It will be a boost to the town. I am delighted it is finally happening.

"It will be great for shoppers and shows that while there may be uncertainty about retail, big businesses are still confident and want to invest."