TRADERS in Whitton have welcomed Lidl's decision to take over the dilapidated former Co-op store in the High Street.
Bosses of the German supermarket chain confirmed last week they had agreed to buy the long-abandoned building, subject to planning permission for a new branch being granted.
Geoff Rayner, chairman of Whitton Business Assocation (WBA), said: "We're delighted that finally something will happen to a derelict site for too many years. We're looking forward to seeing them open and working with them. I know Lidl is very pro high streets and will want to get involved with the WBA. This also means the flats above will be done up, which is another big bonus."
Olu Johnson, acquisitions manager for Lidl, said the firm was due to meet council planning officers next Thursday (July 29) to discuss its proposals before hopefully submitting an application soon after.
Under the proposals, the six existing units would be turned into one store and the six flats above would be refurbished.
He said it was similar to the plans approved for Sainsbury's a couple of years ago, before the supermarket pulled out.
"We don't have a store in Richmond and this is an ideal opportunity to develop a presence in the borough," he added.
Discussions between Lidl, council officers and the buildings owners had been going on for months before news emerged of a deal last week.
The store has been empty for more than 20 years and previous discussions with Marks & Spencer and later Sainsbury's had both fallen through.
Twickenham MP Vince Cable, who has worked with local councillors for more than a year to encourage Lidl to take over the store, said he was delighted by the company's decision.
He said company bosses had told him they were waiting until there was less uncertainty over trading conditions before making a commitment.
Whitton ward councillor Liz Jaeger, who has worked alongside Mr Cable, said: "I am delighted all the hard work has paid off. It is good riddance to a terrible eyesore."
