Lidl has announced it has officially begun construction of its first-ever store in Ashby.

Located on Resolution Road, the budget supermarket says it is on track to open before the end of the year, after being given the go-ahead by North West Leicestershire District Council last summer.

The store will feature a large shopping area - around 1,334m² - which will include a bakery, the well-known Middle of Lidl, and customer toilets with baby-changing facilities.

Lidl adds that store designs include modern building materials such as a timber facade that is designed to be in keeping with the town's local character.

Outside, ample parking is planned for both cars and bicycles.

Lidl says that the multi-million-pound investment will not only enhance local shopping options, but also bring around 40 new jobs to the area.

Following Lidl's recent pay increase announcement, the company says that employees will receive one of the highest rates of pay in the sector, underscoring its commitment to supporting its workforce.

Image: Lidl

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But the store's arrival has attracted opposition - particularly as it will be built close to two other supermarkets, Tesco and Aldi.

M&S and B&M are also in the area along with other outlets such as Wickes.

It has also been suggested that the addition of another store will add to traffic congestion at the junctions of Nottingham Road and the A42.

The area will also see a large housing development, which is currently under construction at Money Hill.

Lidl will be built on the site of the former Ashfield House, which was demolished last year.

Ashfield House was demolished last year. Photo: Ashby Nub News

Andrew Hodgkinson, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, commented: "We're thrilled to announce that construction has begun on our first store in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

"This new store is delivering big on convenience for our customers in the area who will no longer need to travel to Coalville to access our high-quality, affordable offering.

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"We're grateful for all the support we've received so far and are pleased to say we're currently on track to open before the end of the year. We look forward to keeping residents updated as things progress."

For more than three decades, Lidl says it has continually delivered a combination of quality and affordability to shoppers across the country.