Aldi '˜still committed' to opening new store in town

Bosses at discount supermarket Aldi have said they are 'still very much committed' to opening a new store in Eckington.
The proposed site for the new Aldi on Littlemoor Road in Eckington.The proposed site for the new Aldi on Littlemoor Road in Eckington.
The proposed site for the new Aldi on Littlemoor Road in Eckington.

Plans were given the green light by North East Derbyshire District Council back in December 2014 for the former Northgate Information Solutions building on Littlemoor Road to be demolished and replaced by a new store and 89 car parking spaces.

However, the project - which was expected to create about 50 jobs - appears to stalled since the announcement more than two years ago.

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Chairman of Eckington Parish Council, Councillor Brian Ridgway, said: “It’s disappointing that Aldi have not moved to complete their proposed new store in Eckington.

“I do understand that with the economic uncertainty across the country businesses are having a difficult time planning for the future.

“Because local interest is still high I would urge the company to clarify the situation, or contact me and I will put information out through local channels.”

When the plans were first approved, the district council said: “The new supermarket will bring jobs to the town and broaden the retail choice for consumers, meaning they are more likely to stay and shop in Eckington rather than spending their money in nearby towns and villages.”

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But MP for North East Derbyshire, Natascha Engel, raised concerns that it was ‘out of town’ and encouraged Aldi and the Eckington Town Team to work together so that business is not diverted away from the town centre.