GIVE US AN ALDI!
Petition aims to bring discount store to town
A COMMUNITY has launched a campaign to bring Aldi to the town.
People living in Amlwch on the north east coast of Anglesey say they are fed up of having to take a 26-mile round trip to get to supermarkets in Llangefni.
The other option is using Spar or Co-op stores in the town, but many feel these have less choice and many items are more expensive than discounters like Aldi and Lidl.
Ynys Mon MP Virginia Crosbie
was asked to get involved and a campaign has now officially launched. Sixty people attended the launch meeting with the MP, local resident Mandy Jones and councillor Aled Morris Jones, and 150 have signed a campaign petition. The MP now wants more people to get involved.
In response, an Aldi spokesperson said: “We are always considering new locations for stores in areas across the UK, including in Amlwlch. When we have confirmed a location for a new store we will update the community.”
One resident said on Facebook: “It’s ridiculous that we have to go 14 miles or so to get cheaper shopping in Llangefni. We’re not in the richest of areas and it makes life even tougher when we are forced to pay over the odds for everyday items in
Co-op and Spar.
“Many people don’t drive so have to use the buses, which are expensive and it’s not the best of services.
“We would also benefit from the extra jobs it would create in a town that desperately needs them. I really think that this would also encourage people into town to spend in the many excellent, small independent shops and cafes etc.”
Virginia Crosbie MP said: “Local people really want to see Aldi come to Amlwch, and I have been in touch with the supermarket but we need to show there is widespread support for it – so please get in touch and sign up.
“Competition and supermarket choice is good for our island and I think Amlwch would benefit from another store.
“I know the local people I met at Blueberries Cafe (where the meeting was held) certainly thought so and I will do all I can to make the case to Aldi.”
Mandy said: “Within days of me contacting her, Virginia contacted Aldi, met with the local community in Amlwch and has now launched a campaign.”
A resident who attended the meeting said: “There is a lot to do if we get a Lidl/aldi... we will need numbers, and two acres of land.
“Maybe a new power station will help with people moving in. It was just the start of things.”
Katie Hayward, owner of Felin Honeybees near Cemaes, said: “If they do, it would be great as I’ve worked with these store development teams – although even when they do acquire a site it’s usually around five years for internal planning and development before store opening.”