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Search forThere's Lidl way to go before new supermarket can open its doors
Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 07:30
Bulldozers have flattened a former florist's shop on land in Nottingham Road, Chaddesden, which will soon become a Lidl supermarket.
The site is close to the Esso petrol station and will cost between £3.5m and £4m.
Once it is open, possibly by next summer, it could create up to 40 jobs.
The German supermarket chain confirmed in January that it wanted to open the store, after approaching businesses and homeowners in 2006.
The proposal has proved controversial, with some residents arguing the area has enough supermarkets.
Chaddesden District Centre, near to the proposed site, already has branches of Aldi, the Co-op and Tesco Express.
But shoppers in Chaddesden yesterday welcomed the news that work had begun on building the store.
Gill Shaw, of Reginald Road South, said she already used the Aldi store in Nottingham Road and would use the new Lidl store when it opened.
The 69-year-old retired shop worker said: "Since the demolition work began it has been a bit noisy, but that won't last too long.
"I think there should be a pelican crossing close to it, though, because it is going to be even busier, and sometimes it is terrible trying to cross Nottingham Road.
"I shop in the Aldi store quite a lot because it is better for some things, so I am sure I will use the new Lidl store."
Also expressing concern over the increase in traffic was 52-year-old Kevin Clough, of Suffolk Avenue, Chaddesden.
Mr Clough, who works as a support worker with deaf and blind people, said: "To me, the main question will be over parking, as the shop will bring more cars to the area.
"So long as that is sorted out, I have no problem with the store – although there are a lot of shops here already."
Retired foundry worker Reg Watts said he would probably use the new store.
The 74-year-old, of Oregon Way, Chaddesden, said: "When I first heard about the store I wondered whether it was worth their while because there is already an Aldi, a Co-op and a Tesco at the petrol station. But I have no problem with them wanting to open a shop here."
Robert Beaumont, development executive for Lidl, said that the supermarket was still on target to open in summer. He said: "We are still looking to relocate the coal merchant which operates from part of the site, but once that has happened we can begin the construction phase."
WORKMEN MOVE IN: Shops and houses are being demolished on Nottingham Road, Chaddesden, to make way for the new Lidl store.
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