ANOTHER supermarket chain has announced plans to move into Gerrards Cross – with a 100-year-old family business set to be downsized to make way for the store.

Sainsbury’s has struck a deal with Fisher’s to take over most of its Packhorse Road site, with the smaller firm continuing to operate a butcher and delicatessen from a third of its current floorspace.

Owner Paul Fisher said the future of his family’s small supermarket had become “increasingly uncertain” and the deal has secured its presence in the village.

He added: “The agreement we have reached with Sainsbury’s will allow us to continue trading in the village, which is great news for us and our customers....

“Our first butcher’s shop opened in 1912 and our centenary year sees us going back to our roots and doing what we do best.

“I am sure that Fisher’s and Sainsbury’s will complement each other and help to improve the vibrancy of this end of the village.”

The announcement follows the recent opening of Waitrose and Tesco stores in Gerrards Cross.

Most Fisher’s employees will keep their jobs, with some staying to work in the new butcher's shop and others being offered positions in the new Sainsbury’s Local, the firms said in a joint statement.

Simon Twigger, a Sainsbury’s director, said: “We will trade well alongside each other and, together, provide a quality offer and service to local people.”

A planning application will now be submitted for the necessary changes to the premises with Sainsbury’s aiming to move in later this year.

Fisher’s first butcher’s shop opened in south London with the business growing to 34 shops over the course of the last century. The Gerrards Cross store opened in 1970, soon expanding into fruit and vegetables, and is the only one still trading.