SUPERMARKET Aldi has unveiled where it is hoping to build a store in Taunton and says the new store would create up to 50 jobs.

The discount retailer announced plans before Christmas to build shops in Taunton and Wellington.

And now it has announced that it is hoping to turn the former J&K Aquatics site at Bridgwater Road into a store.

Aldi bosses have sent out leaflets to residents living nearby as part of their consultation.

The development will feature a store with a sales area of 1,254 sqm, 94 dedicated car parking spaces, and create up to 50 new jobs for Taunton.

Aldi’s regional property director for the South West, Rob Jones, said: “Whilst still at the very early stages, we are delighted to announce plans to bring our first store to Taunton, on a highly accessible brownfield site at the former J&K Aquatics centre on Bridgwater Road.

“As part of our commitment to consulting local communities, we have written to approximately 3000 residents seeking their views and would urge those who have not done so already to contact our team with any feedback or comments they may have.”

The store would near complete Taunton’s growing list of supermarkets.

The town is already home to Asda, Tesco, two Sainsbury’s, two Lidl’s, and there are still rumours we’ll be getting a Waitrose in the near future.

A planning application for the development will be submitted to Taunton Deane Borough Council in late January following the consultation with residents.

Cllr John Williams, leader of Taunton Deane Council, said that he is often asked by residents when we will be getting an Aldi shop.

But concerns have been raised over traffic issues at the already congested Toneway.

Henlade resident Doug Lowe said: “It’s already a problem with all the extra housing out towards Creech and Monkton Heathfield.

“The problem is the junction, it needs taking a look at or upgrading but it doesn’t seem to be on the agenda or will be anytime soon.

“Traffic already queues up getting on to the Toneway from the roundabout and at times right back along Hamilton Road, it is dangerous as cars sometimes queue along the carriageway.”

*If anyone has further questions about the store, they can contact Aldi’s freephone information line number on 02073-578000 or email alditaunton@planningpotential.co.uk.