SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has abandoned its plan to build a new store in North Yorkshire.

The controversial proposals for Kirkbymoorside had been opposed because of potential damage to the market town's shops.

Now the company has pulled out. The firm told the Town Council: "We know that some people will be disappointed with this decision and we're grateful for the support we've received in the past for our plans."

Mark Thomas, Tesco's regional corporate affairs manager north, said: "The shopping habits of our customers have changed in recent years with more people choosing to shop on line and in convenience stores. In the light of this, we've reviewed our proposals for Kirkbymoorside and have made the difficult decision to not build a new store.

"We'll now look to sell the site at Ings Road and will be sure to keep the community updated on the future of the site."

He said there was "substantial support" in the community for the plans and said the decision to pull out had been difficult.

Tesco had planned to build a medium-sized store at the former Russell's depot alongside the A170.

Kirkbymoorside Mayor Coun Chris Dowie said: "I would like to assure everyone that when new plans for the site are submitted, the town council will provide an opportunity for people to comment on them at a planning committee or full council meeting."

Tesco first submitted their plans in November 2011 for what it described as a store to provide local residents with a convenient weekly supermarket food shop. The plan had included an 80 space car park,a pedestrian crossing and would have created 100 new full and part time jobs.

The company pulled out of a scheme to build a major new store near Scarborough's town centre late last year, and also abandoned plans for a new store in Bridlington 18 months ago.