A supermarket giant has been told to "move in or move over" as frustrations grow over a stalling deal to take over a prominent city centre site.

Multiple sources have claimed Morrisons will no longer take over the empty former Topshop site in Haymarket.

Norwich Evening News: This is the second incident of vandalism at the site this monthThis is the second incident of vandalism at the site this month (Image: William Warnes)

But despite numerous attempts to clarify the situation, the retailer has declined to comment.

And now vandals have struck the vacant unit for the second time this month - with even more graffiti appearing on the shopfront.

Three weeks ago, messages of "to be continued..." and "see you in Rome, love Ali B" were sprayed on a window near the doorway.

Norwich Evening News: The former Topshop site in HaymarketThe former Topshop site in Haymarket (Image: David Freezer)

Now, vandals have defaced the shopfront with: "Why is this massive building empty when hundreds of people in Norwich have nowhere to live?"

Morrisons was previously expected to sign a 15-year lease in February ahead of a likely June opening date.

But work on the building appeared to stop in April.

Steve Morphew, Labour group leader at Norfolk County Council, said he believed the vandalism is linked to growing frustrations caused by "no action and no information".

Norwich Evening News: The first bout of vandalism happened earlier this monthThe first bout of vandalism happened earlier this month (Image: William Warnes)

"Morrisons need to move in or move over," he said.

"This isn’t doing anything for Morrisons' reputation or the city centre.

"As much as graffiti makes the appearance worse rather than solving any problems, I share the frustrations of no action and no information.

"There is a welcome increase of people living in the city centre. They need food shops.

"Increased footfall encourages other businesses to remain and new ones to open.

Norwich Evening News: Labour group leader Steve MorphewLabour group leader Steve Morphew (Image: Archant)

"With the Hay Hill improvements this prime location should be a driver to a thriving city centre economy."

Suspicions were first raised over whether the deal with the supermarket giant had fallen through in April.

It has been reported nationally that the debt-laden supermarket is battling to save costs following a takeover in 2021 by an American private equity group.