Lidl held a consultation at the Chase Hotel on Thursday, April 12th from 1pm-7pm, inviting residents of Ross to give their views on the proposal of a new Lidl store on the Wolf Business Park in Ross-on-Wye.

The consultation was very well attended, with people keen to give their opinion - which was primarily positive, according to the Lidl representatives who oversaw the event.

There was a feedback form, that residents were encouraged to complete, including questions such as: “Do you support the wider vision for the Wolf Business Park to redevelop the site and deliver bespoke employment units alongside a new Lidl neighbourhood food store?” and “Do you currently do your supermarket shopping in Ross-on-Wye or elsewhere?

Lidl’s Regional Head of Property, Paul Hebblethwaite, commented: “We would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who attended our public consultation yesterday. We will now take time to consider all of the feedback we received, with a view to submitting our planning application shortly.”

The Ross Gazette has had many responses via our social media pages. Comments have included:

Rob Morgan said: “Good news - I can just walk across the road and get some bits and pieces. Ross needs another supermarket - you only have to to see the ones we have on a public holiday to see they struggle to mainitain availability of products. It’s an added bonus that it is another leading retailer - good for jobs, competition and prices.”

Paul Stephens added: “Shame it’s not in Ross centre. Centre is already dead, mainly because of the poorly planned one way system.”

Abigail Harradine commented: “It’ll be a nail in the coffin for Sainsbury’s - leaving the town centre even more run down.”

One resident opposes the plan and has suggested a petition against it - see their letter in this week’s Ross Gazette.