Work has started to build a new Lidl store.

Planning permission was granted for the supermarket in London Road, Ditton, last August.

The build is expected to take 10 months, with a view to opening the store in autumn 2021.

It will create around 40 new jobs and will have 1,068sqm of sales area.

The new branch will include a bakery, toilets and two electric vehicle charging spaces, as well as solar panels.

Lidl's regional head of property, Adam Forsdick, said: “There’s been much anticipation for this new Lidl store and it’s great that we are now in a position to start construction.

"We are extremely grateful for all the support that we have received so far and would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we enter this next phase of the development.”

The new store forms part of the company’s £1.3billion investment plans across the UK in 2021 and 2022.

The supermarket chain is currently increasing its market share by around 5% a year.

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