Aldi confirm interest in Co-op site in Lees - but no deal is agreed yet

The Co-op store in Lees

Local Lib-Dem councillor Sam Al-Hamdani has revealed that Aldi chiefs have confirmed interest in taking over the Co-operative store in Lees, but no deal has been agreed yet.

The Chronicle revealed exclusively two weeks ago that the Co-op food store and petrol filling station in Lees are set to close for good.

Cllr Al-Hamdani has now spoke to Aldi's property director for the North West who confirmed their intentions for the site, but acknowledged there would be a delay before the site reopened.

Mr Al-Hamdani said: “They (Aldi) have confirmed that they are hoping to complete a deal for the site this year.

"Rumours that the site would be demolished are incorrect – they are planning to demolish the petrol station to make way for a small extension and additional parking.

“The proposed building works do mean that we are expecting a delay before the store would be reopened, and that is our primary concern at the moment.

"For residents with mobility issues, or who lack transport, the closure of the store may make it harder for them to get their shopping.

“Anyone who will be affected by that, please feel free to get in touch with myself, Mark or Alicia as the local councillors, and we will look into what support you need in the meantime.”

The current Co-operative store is due to close in early November, and even if all goes to plan, a new store would not be expected to open until July to September next year.

Mr Al-Hamdani added: “We have already seen local businesses stepping up to the plate – fresh vegetables are on sale at the Lees Village Petrol Station, which really is a great example of a community business.

"We have some great other small businesses on the High Street too, and we hope that people will shop with them even more.

“We’ll be keeping in touch with Aldi throughout the process, and we hope to be able to confirm later this year that Lees will have a new store soon, and people will have even more reason to come here.”

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