POWERS to force traders from a parade of shops in Roots Hall to make way for the new Sainsbury's development have been given approval.
At a meeting last night, Southend Council agreed that compulsory purchase orders could be used to remove the shops, in Victoria Avenue, near the corner of Fairfax Drive, Westcliff.
The six shops are the only barrier between the redevelopment of Roots Hall into a new Sainsbury's store, which would allow Southend United to go ahead and build a new stadium at Fossetts Farm.
The council would only use the powers if no agreement is reached between the group of traders with Sainsbury's and the Blues.
After the council meeting, Blues chairman Ron Martin, said: "Football clubs recognises these are sensitive issues, but compulsory purchase order processes are there for a good reason, one of fairness.
"And the owners do get a fair value through the land tribunal."
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