‘Lidl is welcome in Lytham’

That’s the message from residents from the salubrious seaside town where the budget supermarket has announced plans to open a store.

The German retailer hopes to take over the former Holt Jackson site on Preston Road which has been empty for two years.

The proposed move has been welcomed by local residents who say Lytham is not too posh for the budget store – as reported in the national press – especially in the current economic climate when shoppers are looking to cut their food bill.

Jan Mather, 55, of Chandlers Rest, Lytham, said: “I think having a Lidl here will be good. Lytham is an up-market place but what people forget is there are a lot of working class people here too.

“Phase 2 of Lytham Quays is being built and there’s supposed to be some affordable housing there which may attract more young families who may want to shop at Lidl if they can take £20 off their food bill.”

Mrs Mather’s husband, Tom, 63, said: “It’s nonsense that Lytham is too posh for Lidl. They may sell food with different brand names, but it is the same product. They are not selling down market products. It will bring some jobs into the area. Anything that brings more people into Lytham is a good thing.”

John MacDougall, 59, from Lytham, said he was happy with proposal if the supermarket is not in the town centre.

He added: “It’s not going to be in the town centre so it’s not going to affect the character of Lytham. It’ll be good to bring some jobs in.”

But Robert Silverwood, chairman of Lytham Enterprise Group, believes there is no place for Lidl in Lytham.

He said: “I’m not a snob but I think generally Lidl tends to be in places at the poorer end of town and really I don’t think there is a place for Lidl here. Lidl obviously think it will fit but I don’t think there is a place for any supermarket. Lytham has a history, it isn’t a new development, it has charisma which makes people want to go back.

“The shopping street is lovely, it’s got a number of independent shops. We already have enough supermarket and retail outlets in the area, another supermarket could be disastrous for the high street. These supermarkets aren’t bothered about the towns, they are only bothered about taking the profit.”

And Tony Eaves, 45, from Lytham, is worried about the effect the supermarket’s presence would have on independent shops.

Mr Eaves said: “I’m not really for it. It’ll be on the out-skirts but it’ll still affect the small shops in the town centre.”

Lidl says the new store will create around 15 to 20 full-time jobs.

A spokesman said: “The range of products will provide the people of Lytham, Warton and Freckleton with a varied and affordable alternative.’”