PLANS to knock down a row of terrace houses to expand a town centre supermarket creating up to 20 jobs have been welcomed by shoppers.

 
Budget chain Lidl is proposing to knock down its Rigby Street shop in Nelson and replace it with a new ‘concept store’, with construction expected to take one year. 


The plans have been welcomed by residents and councillors, who say it will increase trade to the town.


However, concerns have been raised over how the changes would affect nearby properties and what would happen if one homeowner continues to refuse to sell to Lidl.


The plan includes demolishing a row of five terrace houses in the street, including two former shops, which the supermarket has agreed in principal to buy. 


The German company, which has 630 stores across the UK, is consulting residents before submitting a planning application to Pendle Council in the next few weeks. 


The 1,424 sq m store would include parking for 102 cars, an in-store bakery and enhanced facilities for employees. Bosses say it will create up to 20 new full and part-time jobs as well as more during the construction period. 


Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson, who attended a public consultation on the plans, said: “I think plans to expand, create 20 new jobs and bring a modern new-looking store in the town centre is a good thing as long as residents’ views are listened to. 


“There is some concern from people living nearby about how it will affect properties. Lidl has bought the majority of the properties they are planning to demolish except one. 


“Most people think that it would open up the street and make it look better. 


“The fact is there is one property they have not bought - if the owner is unwilling to sell how would one terrace house standing in a car park look?

A lot of residents live in close proximity of the store and walk to do their shopping.


“I believe it may have to close for one year and a lot of people do not have cars to get to Morrisons so they are concerned about that.


“I’m sure all of these views will be made known and I would encourage residents to express their views to Lidl and the council.” 


Shopper Nasser Mahmood, 44, said he was happy with the plans. 
“It is good that we have got a Lidl. It is these kind of stores that bring competition. Other supermarkets have been charging more than they should be. Lidl’s prices are good and in line with today’s salaries,” he said.

 
“It suggests they will bring employment. 


“We have been shopping here for many years and all my family shop here. It has made a big difference.” 


John Lennox said: “I think it is a great idea. It will be like the one in Colne and that is beautiful. 


“The prices are great, there’s variety and the staff are very good.” 


Another shopper said: “I am in favour and the sooner it opens the better.

 
“It will offer more choice and it is cheaper than anywhere else. I do not drive so I can’t get to the one in Colne. 


“The staff are very courteous and quick. If you go to another supermarket you have to wait ages.” 


Resident Farhad Shefqat, who lives in nearby Manchester Road, said: “I am happy for it to expand. I go every couple of days. The quality is excellent.” 


Cllr Sajid Ali, chairman of Nelson Town Council, said: “It is quite a popular store in Nelson and they are planning to create extra jobs. 


“It is a good opportunity. That seems to be the consensus among residents.” 


Cllr Zafar Ali, vice chairman, said: “It is a massive boost in terms of a well-established supermarket wanting to expand in Nelson.

 
“It used to be the talk of the town that we did not have any value supermarkets. 


“My reservations are for the smaller market shops that sell similar products, but I accept there has to be a balance. “


“It will mean further convenience as Nelson grows.” Cllr Eileen Ansar said: “If it brings trade and customers to town it has to be a good idea.” 


A spokesman for Lidl said: “Our Rigby Street store is very popular and as part of Lidl’s nationwide improvement programme we propose to replace the Nelson store with one of our new concept stores.”


“The proposals will enhance the shopping experience for customers whilst improving facilities for employees.”