BUDGET supermarket bosses have said they are 'planning their next steps' for a new Aldi store in Walton.

A year after the shop first received the green light from Tendring Council, an Aldi spokesperson has said it has now bought the site for the Walton store on land at the former Martello Caravan Park, off Kirby Road.

They added: "We look forward to opening our doors in due course so customers can shop and save closer to home.”

It is anticipated the branch will create 40 jobs.

The announcement of the multi-million pound development, featuring a 1,254-sq ft store and a 102-space car park, followed shortly after Tesco decided not to create a superstore nearby.

Aldi property director Adam Ward said Tesco's announcement had "no bearing" on the brand and they had been keen to open a store in Walton for some time.

He said: "Our neighbourhood store is an entirely different offer and it has always been our intention to invest in Walton, regardless of whether or not there is another foodstore on the neighbouring site.”

Aldi has not confirmed any further details at this stage.