DEMOLITION work has begun to make way for a new supermarket.

The Co-op in Abbot's Road, Colchester, closed for business last September and bosses from Lidl have won permission from Colchester Council to knock down the old store and replace it with a new supermarket.

It is hoped the new store, which will include an in-store bakery, will open in autumn next year.

Regional head of property Colin Rimmer said: "Iā€™d like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their continued support, and very much look forward to opening our doors and offering our fresh, quality, great value products in the not too distant future.ā€

Bosses have been forced to secure the site in recent months after a spate of vandalism caused by people breaking into the building, causing damage and dragging items onto nearby fields.