A new budget superstore set to open in Halstead has been praised for paying homage to the town’s history.

Construction on Kings Road’s Lidl store is nearing completion, with the site uncovering two murals on the side of the building.

With the help of Halstead History Society, the murals have been created from old photos, the first depicting Halstead’s former train station in the early 1900s, and the second showing the High Street from a similar time.

The railway station opened in 1860, but despite being popular among residents, closed to passengers in 1961.

And Lidl has been praised for honouring the town’s history.

Jim Davis, of Halstead History Society, said: “We were really pleased when they contacted us.

“We supplied the photos from our archive, and I know the whole history society were thrilled when they originally contacted us.

“Of course, it is unfortunate that we have lost the site, and that they had to knock down the old water tower and the station masters office, which had great historical value.

“But we were really pleased to be approached, and pleased they have paid tribute to the history.”

The new store will feature 108 parking spaces and designers for the Lidl shop will make improvements to the roundabouts on Trinity Street and Kings Road.

After launching a bid in October last year, the plans were granted approval with the support of residents and the town council in January.

Construction on the site began immediately, and the supermarket is expected to create 40 jobs.

Despite a largely positive reaction to the store, concerns have been raised over access to the site.

Residents fear the already traffic-ridden Kings Road will worsen, with specific concerns over Lidl’s proximity to the Elizabeth Courtauld Surgery.