Tesco is still talking to other retailers in an attempt to sub-let its mothballed store in Chatteris.

The company said this week that it was “keen to bring the unit to use as soon as possible”.

It was responding to a request from Fenland District Council to clarify its plans for the Chatteris store, following the announcement that it made a pre-tax profit of £162 million last year.

Tesco announced in January last year that the £22million store was one of 49 to be axed under a cost-cutting programme. Plans to open a store in Whittlesey were also abandoned.

Subsequently, after extensive negotiations, the council persuaded the company to set up a £20,000 community fund to benefit residents in Chatteris and Whittlesey to compensate them for its decision to scrap its plans.

This week Jessica Walker, Tesco’s regional communications manager for the East of England, told the council: “We took the very difficult decision not to open the store in Chatteris. We are keen to bring the unit to use as quickly as possible, and appreciate the importance to the local community.

“We are continuing discussions with retailers interested in the site, and will keep the community updated with any progress.”

She confirmed that Tesco paid full business rates on the property and would continue to do so.

The council is continuing to work with Tesco on the future of the site.