SURVEYORS working on the Bathhouse Road site in Cardigan has sparked speculation that it may have been sold.

The development site - once earmarked for a Sainsbury’s supermarket – has been on the market for several years now with the hope of attracting fresh development and jobs to the town.

The Tivyside understands a deal had recently been agreed but that has collapsed and a new buyer has now expressed an interest.

Residents in the area contacted the Tivyside to say survey work was being carried out.

“It seems strange that they would be doing that without some sort of plans being in place,” said one resident, who did not wish to be named.

There has been persistent rumours that Aldi could be moving from its current Aberystwyth Road site to Bathhouse Road.

A spokesperson for the German supermarket chain company said: “Aldi doesn’t comment on speculation.”

Various other multi-national stores have also been linked with the possible development.

The 14.68 acre site, close to the town centre, was previously earmarked for a major retail development including a Sainsbury's foodstore, petrol station and retail warehousing – all part of a £50m project which was also meant to include a new hospital.

But that plan collapsed when Sainsbury’s announced that it was pulling out of the scheme back in November 2014 as the supermarket giant looked to cut costs and spending to shore up its balance sheet and free up funds to take on rivals Aldi and Lidl.

Since then the site has stood empty, with Cardiff-based chartered surveying firm, Fletcher Morgan, appointed to find a buyer.

It is still hoped some form of retail development could take place, although alternative uses may include residential and commercial schemes subject to planning approval.