AROUND 40 jobs will be created for residents if plans for another new supermarket get the go ahead.

Lidl, which recently opened its first Colchester store, has now officially bought the old Co-op store, in Abbot’s Road, Colchester.

In proposals revealed yesterday, supermarket bosses want to knock down the old Co-op store, which closed in September, and replace it with a new building.

Lee Scordis, (Lab) Colchester councillor for Old Heath and the Hythe, said it was good news.

He said: “From what I have heard, residents wanted it as a shop. It’s nice walking distance for a lot of people and Lidl is much more affordable.

“The only disappointment is it’s going to take time to build a new store.

“I know the current building is not fit for purpose, and I believe that’s why the Co-op moved out in the end.

“It hadn’t been updated to current supermarket standards. I imagine Lidl wants more space for a warehouse and Lidl has a different layout to Co-op stores anyway.

“Altogether it’s good news for residents. There are a lot of young families in this area and hopefully a lot of young people who can get a job there who perhaps worked at the Co-op before.”

The proposals also include a 114 space car park, which would include five disabled bays and seven parent and child spaces.

Lidl said it hoped the new store would be similar to its Gosbecks store, which finally opened in September after several years in the making.

That site was formerly occupied by the Colchester Wine Company.

The leaflet for the new store planned to recruit local people for the 40 new jobs.

Residents are being asked for their views on the plans, with letters being sent out to houses across Colchester. Supermarket bosses are also working with planners at Colchester Council.

They have yet to send in formal plans for consideration. It is expected they will be submitted following the resident consultation.

Previously, a Lidl spokesman said the store would hopefully be open in 2018.

Lidl is the latest supermarket to open in Colchester. Aldi also opened its third Colchester store in September.