Plan to open new supermarket creating 40 jobs in Oldbury is welcomed

Aldi will open a new store in Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury, close to the M5. Bosses hope it will open in the autumn and will be recruiting nearer the time.

Langley councillor Bill Gavan today welcomed the news, saying it would bring a disused piece of wasteland back to life and create employment opportunities.

He also likes the idea of a cheaper supermarket for hard-up residents.

He said: "I think it is necessary for the area to have a cheaper supermarket, especially that type of shopping.

"People don't seem to do all their shopping at once and it helps to drive down the prices in store. These shops are very competitive and I think that local residents, including myself, will be happy to use Aldis and Lidls."

Planning officers gave delegated approval for the plans for the new store, which were submitted in October following an extensive consultation with the local community, to which more than 90 per cent of respondents supported the principle of the new store on the vacant area of land next to the Ramada Hotel.

Following submission of the application, 71 individual letters of support were registered with the council.

Sam Wilson, a spokesman for Aldi, said: "We are delighted that Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council chose to approve our plans for the new store on Wolverhampton Road. We are very excited about bringing our range of award-winning products to the community in Oldbury and are hoping to get started on site as soon as possible.

"The next stage in the process is for initial works to begin on site and, if all goes ahead as planned, we are hoping to open the store in the autumn of 2015. New employment opportunities will be advertised closer to the time, both locally and also via our recruitment website, www.aldirecruitment.co.uk.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the residents who took the time to write to the council and show their support for the plans. We will ensure the community is kept up to date as the construction progresses, but should residents have any questions in the meantime they should call the project's freephone information line on 0800 2987040."