Concerns over traffic if Stafford Aldi store goes ahead
Concerns have been raised about plans to build a new supermarket amid fears it will create traffic problems in the area.
Proposals have been put forward to build an Aldi store in Stafford.
But some residents have voiced concern about the plan, saying it is in the wrong location. The supermarket giant wants to open a new store on a site at Queensville, on the A34 south of Stafford. It held an exhibition into its proposals at Wildwood Community Centre, which drew a steady stream of visitors to look at the plans and talk to representatives from Aldi.
But while people said they were happy to see a new supermarket in the area as it would mean more choice for shoppers, some were worried that putting it on a busy route would add to traffic problems on roads that are already gridlocked at peak times.
June and John Owen, of Windsor Road, next to the proposed site, said they wanted to see an Aldi in Stafford - but not in that location.
"There is so much traffic already," Mrs Owen said. "It is almost impossible to turn right out of Windsor Road because of the constant stream of vehicles, and an Aldi would bring more people to the area."
And Baswich resident Pamela Taylor added: "I have lived here for 50 years and in that time we have had new housng estates built at Hillcroft Park, Wildwood, and Saxon Fields, plus an industrial estate off Baswich Lane, but we have still got the same roads, and Baswich Lane has become a rat run."
But Val Parker, who lives opposite the proposed Aldi site, said she would be 'delighted' to see a modern supermarket to 'tidy up' the site which is currently occupied by a petrol station and a caravan showroom.
Aldi property director Ciaran Aldridge said the firm had been looking for a site in Stafford for several years, and had 'thoroughly' investigated the options before settling on Queensville.
He said the firm would listen to feedback from residents – and from borough councillors Chris Baron, John Francis and Mike Heenan, who had also visited the exhibition – before putting in a formal planning application.
"It will have a retail area of around 1,000 square metres, so it will be substantially smaller than your average Asda or Tesco, which are 40,000 square metres and more," he said. The store would create up to 35 full and part-time jobs.
