STEETON’S former Morrisons mini-market could end up derelict for many months, a district politician fears.

Craven ward councillor, Adrian Naylor, spoke after My Local, the company that recently bought Morrisons’ convenience stores, hit financial troubles.

My Local owner Greybull Capital announced this month it is putting the firm – which has more than 100 stores – into administration.

Administrator KPMG will attempt to sell the business as a going concern but, if a buyer cannot be found, the stores would be sold off piecemeal or closed down.

The Skipton Road store, almost opposite Airedale hospital, was built by Morrisons in 2013 under its M Local brand, but it was among more than 140 sold last November in a £25 million deal.

Cllr Naylor this week said he feared for the future of the 443sqm Steeton building if the My Local stores close.

He said: “What we’ve ended up with in Steeton is a new, purpose-built and very large convenience store.

“The danger is that in the current climate, we don’t see anyone taking it over. Not only do we lose jobs, but we’ll have a structure that is empty at the roadside.

“Because of the penetration of the major supermarkets in the area – in Silsden, Skipton and Keighley – I’m not sure there’s a market for a convenience store in that location."

Morrisons this week gave a lifeline to up to 1,658 staff at the My Local chain – including Steeton – if there are store closures following the administration period.

The supermarket chain said that if no buyer for the chain is found, it will offer its former staff jobs at the supermarket.

It is understood Co-op’s convenience store arm has picked up five of the My Local stores with Sainsbury’s also acquiring one.