New store plan under fire

Lidl UK wants to open a food store just outside Thirsk town centre as part of a major expansion scheme.

No plans have been submitted to Hambleton District Council yet but Lidl says it is looking at a site on Station Road.

It has arranged a public open day at the Old Courthouse on Westgate, Thirsk, on Friday, June 6 from noon to 6pm for locals to see the plans.

But North Yorkshire County councillor Gareth Dadd, who represents Thirsk, is against the scheme.

He said: "I have grave concerns about this and will oppose any food store on Station Road as it will increase traffic on a busy road.

"We should be supporting the smaller businesses and shops which make Thirsk so unique."

He is backed by Thirsk district councillor Derek Adamson who said: "I can only describe the news of Lidl wanting to build on Station Road as horrific.

"This proposed development would further erode the fragile trading situation within the Market Place and would lead to an unacceptable increase in traffic through the centre of Thirsk, Station Road and Carlton Minniot."

Lidl dates back to the 1930s when Lidl and Schwarz Grocery Wholesale was founded in Germany.

The first Lidl stores opened in 1973 and the food chain store moved to the UK in 1994 and today it has over 450 stores across the world.

At the open day the proposed plans for the store plus will be on show with samples of Lidl goods.

Members of the Lidl development team will be there to answer questions regarding the proposals and possible careers.

A Lidl spokesman said: "We have been looking to build a store in Thirsk as part of our ongoing expansion programme throughout the UK.

"The event is to allow traders and residents the opportunity to discuss any aspect of the proposed development.

"The proposed site will be ideally situated to serve the needs of residents living in and around Thirsk.

"It will bring jobs and investment, as well as a much-needed alternative discount food store."