Lidl to open store across from Tesco in Welspool
Discount supermarket chain Lidl has announced plans to open a store in Welshpool - creating up to 40 jobs.
The German chain wants to open a supermarket on the edge of the town on the site of the former sheep pens at Mill Lane, opposite the town's Tesco store.
Councillors have welcomed the news for the competition it will bring and the redevelopment of an area of wasteland on one of the entrances into the town.
Deputy mayor Steve Kaye, who is also the chairman of the council's business forum, said he looked forward to seeing the store open.
"It's brilliant. It's good for customers because you've got the range of items. I'm all for promoting the competition between shops," he said.
"I'm glad that they're going to come to the town. I was sorry when they ruled out using the site of the old Co-op in Berriew Street, but building on the waste ground will regenerate that part of the town. We're trying to invite people into the town and the more you make it look inviting and beautify it the more people get interested and keep going in.
"A lot of people were against Tesco because they said it will take the shopping out of the town centre, but really it's not that far from the town centre and I think the competition with Lidl will be good. It will give a lot of choice to customers.
"Lidl is known for paying above the minimum wage as well, so that will be very welcome in the town.
"The plans are really ticking a lot of boxes with the town council."
Plans are still being finalised for the store and the company is asking for people's views on the proposals.
Initial plans will be on display during a consultation day to be held on Tuesday (SEPT 2) at the Corn Exchange at Welshpool Town Hall in High Street. The day will run from 11am to 5pm and members of the development team will be available to answer questions and to give more details about the scheme.
Nicole Benford, spokeswoman for Lidl, said: "I can confirm that the new store will create up to 40 new full and part-time roles. A dedicated website will also be launching on the day of the consultation for residents to gain further information, as well as find out about new job roles."
