Show of support for Lidl plans at football ground
HUCKNALL TOWN FC WILL MOVE TO NEW SITE
HUCKNALL residents have wrelcomed the approval of plans to build a new Lidl supermarket on the grounds of the town’s football club.
Lidl will soon begin construction at Hucknall Football Club’s ground in Watnall Road, after Ashfield District Council granted planning permission.
The football club will be relocating to a new ground on Aerial Way close to the existing ground.
The retailer added the supermarket will “deliver improved economic opportunities without the loss of existing sport facilities and improve grocery choice and competition for residents of Hucknall”.
Residents were also happy with the news.
One hopeful resident shared his optimism at a “big name brand” coming to Hucknall, something that he believes the town desperately needs.
Terrence Mckenzie, 74, who has lived in Hucknall for more than 30 years, said: “I think it’s great news. A lot of people complain that we don’t have enough big supermarkets, and now we’re hopefully going to get one around the corner.
“I love Hucknall. I have lived here for 34 years and it has enough for me to get by.
“The people are all nice, they’re wonderful and it has everything I need, I don’t need to go too far away for anything. But I think it has too many things we don’t need and not enough of what others might need.
“There are too many charity shops and barber shops, but big supermarkets are a necessity. I’m delighted.”
Ray Moss, 58, said: “I personally don’t have any issues with it.
“I guess some people might be concerned with the size of it, but there aren’t many homes surrounding it, it’s next to a main road, it’s a good place for it I think.
“Hopefully the club have found somewhere else to move to, and if not I hope they find somewhere soon because that’s something that means a lot to the footballlovers in Hucknall.
“I don’t think that we need the Lidl, but I do think big name brands are something that Hucknall needs a lot more of to be honest, so yes it’s going to do more good than bad. It’s in a good location.”
Rival supermarket giant Tesco opposed the plans, suggesting Ashfield District Council’s consultant confirmed two alternative sites – the Sandicliffe Ford and Piggins Croft car park – could accommodate the application proposals “in a way that would substantially benefit the health and well-being of the town centre into the long term”.
Representatives for Tesco also said “inappropriate weight” was placed upon alleged job creation benefits.
Another local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I worry about the football club, but if they’ve got a plan in place to go elsewhere and everyone’s happy, then fair enough.
“Mind you, fans who go to the games might not be happy. I think it’s definitely good for the town though. There aren’t many supermarkets in Hucknall, especially close to the town centre.”
The Lidl will generate up to 40 new full and part-time jobs, mostly for local people, and it expects the store to add £2 million gross value per year to the local economy.