Two locations for new shops have emerged in Westhoughton as LIDL press ahead with their plans for a new supermarket.
Residents will already know that LIDL plan to build a new supermarket on the site of the former Greenfields Private Members Club, off Wigan Road (pictured right).
But now two new sites have emerged as possible retail developments – one being the old Gaiety building on Market Street, and the other being the old Glebe Mill and Bolton Road car park behind the library.
It is understood ALDI are interested in the former site. The car park would be moved to the site of the Walter Forshaw yard off King Street, and pedestrian access would be provided to King Street and Library Street.
Councillor Julia Silvester and Parliamentary Candidate Jackie Pearcey look at the Glebe Mill site
The owner of the Gaiety site wants LIDL to move its plans to there, but we understand LIDL don’t agree since they have already bought the land off Wigan Road.
When the Liberal Democrats asked residents what they wanted, most were in favour of LIDL coming to Westhoughton, but over 50 residents were against the idea. But most agree that the town needs more choice.
With the emergence of these potential new sites for retail development, your Liberal Democrat councillors are calling for a public consultation and proper planning before rushing into decisions about each site.
That’s why we encouraged EVERYONE WHO READS THIS to post their comments at the bottom of this article, or you can e-mail privately to focus@westhoughton-libdems.org.uk.
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Greenfields site for me has better access for vehicles without clogging the market st.
If it was in the high street this would cause more conjestion and whilst the gaiety building needs attention a new supermarket in the main street no thanks then what happens if they decide to stop trading that would be a bigger eyesore as so many smaller towns have been..
gt
idont mind where lidel are as long as it happens there are all ready two top price coop shops and another high price supper market on its way if a new carpark is put on foreshaws it will take people away from centre i thought foreshawshad planing for houses
I think they sould allow both supermarket. Because it will improwe westhoughton and provide jobs.
I am now against all of these. Market Street gets crazy with traffic at rush hour. King Street then clogs up. Sometimes there is not enough room for a bus on Market Street. Westhoughton is a nice quiet town. Surely building 3 Supermarkets will change the feel for the worst.
There is enough traffic in the market street area. This already causes many issues for the residents. What abouthe noise etc when these are being built and deliveries etc.? The proposed site behind King Street gives no consideration to the residents at all.
this is a good thing becouse the co op
is the only supermarket in westhoughton and irs very dear.
we need more jobs in the town
I totally object to the advent of the Sainsburys store in Westhoughton (possibly the most expensive store I have ever been in and out of without buying anything) . Now Lidl is going to be here as well. I am a firm believer in the integrity of Westhoughton and hate to see it turned into, what could possibly be, a mini Bolton – not a pleasant thought. Providing more jobs is a good thing in any town but Westhoughton can’t cope with any influx of unnecessary supermarkets and this should be left to the big towns and cities.. Supermarkets have been the death of so many small towns (looks like some residents don’t care about this) and Westhoughton will suffer the same fate very soon when these supermarkets are built. What is needed is someone with a vision to restore the community spirt here and not destroy it because soon there will be no family businesses, only faceless checkout tills. Is that what we really want????????
Too many supermarkets will spoil Westhoughton. Traffic already too busy through town – no more please.
The council shouldn’t even be considering Aldi, not that I have anything against them, but I feel that the council should approach the likes of M & S to ask if they are interested in opening one of their small outlets, this type of store could attract other top names to come to Westhoughton. I know there are many people who would prefer to stay local rather than go to Middlebrook or into Bolton centre. The Glebe Mill/Bolton Rd site would make an excellent pedestrian shopping mall.
Congestion is a common problem in almost every town centre, however it can and should be solved. The fear of it worsening should not impede Westhoughton’s development and progress. More job opportunities will result in a reduction in of unemployment throughout Westhoughton, surely that’s a positive? Areas of high employment tend to benefit low crime rates. Alongside this, a working society would be a positive influence upon the youth of Westhoughton, giving them aspirations to work and make a living… Who knows, maybe Aldi’s proposition will change Westhoughton for the better?