40 jobs on the way to Welshpool after Aldi get go ahead

Budget food chain Aldi will open up in Mill Lane, Welshpool, next to the Smithfield Bell pub – and just yards away from the town's Tesco store – after planning permission was granted by Powys County Council.

The firm said it hopes to start work on the store in autumn, with the aim of opening next spring.

Mayor of Welshpool, Councillor Steve Kaye, said the addition of the German supermarket chain was a "huge plus" for the town, residents and visitors.

He said: "It's fantastic that a big firm like Aldi want to come to Welshpool but it's no surprise really what with Greggs opening up earlier this year, and B&M coming to town.

"They're a big firm that people recognise, residents and people who come on holiday here will trust Aldi, so will shop there.

"On the whole Welshpool is doing well, Aldi will bring with it 40 new jobs, and as well as that the town centre is thriving with only one empty shop. It's good news."

Ahead of the plans being given the go-ahead, Welshpool Town Council's planning, development and environment committee voted unanimously to back the plans after hearing the views of members of the public and receiving a presentation from the supermarket company.

Councillor Kaye praised the firm for the standard of the presentation.

"Fair play I can't fault them, they gave a wonderful presentation and adhered to what the community wanted, for a big firm like that to listen is fantastic," he said.

"I felt as though Aldi were a part of the community before the store's even here."

Councillor Graham Breeze also agreed an Aldi store was good news for the town.

He said: "Judging by the response on social media sites there is a genuine demand for Aldi in the area and whether you choose to shop there or not the opening can only be good for the town, with more people attracted in and more employment opportunities.

"The arrival reflects the general feel good atmosphere in Welshpool. We may be experiencing the most unstable period for decades following the Brexit vote but it seems to have passed Welshpool by - with barely an empty shop to be seen."

An Aldi spokesperson said: "We're delighted that our plans have been approved and would like to thank the local community for their input throughout.

"Many residents told us that they currently travel to our existing stores outside of the town, so we are pleased that our new store in Welshpool will allow local people to save travel time and costs when shopping with Aldi in the future.

"We are currently planning our build schedule and hope to start work on the new store in the autumn with the aim of being open in spring 2017."