SUPERMARKET giant Asda is believed to be reconsidering its involvement in a £50million plan to revamp a railway station in a Kent town.

The company announced a year ago that it had signed a deal with Network Rail to rebuild Maidstone East station, incorporating a hotel, houses and a 55,000 sq ft superstore.

Officially, Asda said that it "remains committed" to the site. But Maidstone Borough Council, from its own discussions with Network Rail, believes the company is reviewing its position and fears it may pull out.

Trevor Gasson, the council’s deputy chief executive, confirmed that the council had already started to draw up contingency plans.

He said: "If Asda do pull out, we will decide how we get a solution that is good for Maidstone and good for Network Rail."

Deborah Yewdall, spokeswoman for Asda, said the company was still in discussions with Network Rail.

She added: "We remain committed and we very much hope to have an Asda in Maidstone on that site."

* See the Maidstone edition of the Kent Messenger (Friday, March 9) for the full story.