A DEVELOPER has denied claims that it has offered hush money to Petersfield residents affected by a supermarket plan.

People on Frenchmans Road have been offered £20,000 to support plans for a supermarket on the JB Corrie site, according to one resident.

But Morbaine Ltd insists the money is not a bribe – instead it is part of a legal agreement to build a major store at the end of their gardens.

Both parties admit that money has been offered to the owners of six cottages between the JB Corrie factory and the station car park entrance.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.