DISCOUNT supermarket Lidl has been whipping up support from potential customers for a new store in Wellington.

The company has written to thousands of people begging them to write to planners voicing their backing for the development on the edge of the town.

Lidl recently submitted a planning application to Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) for the proposed store off the Taunton Road roundabout.

The company's regional head of property, Matthias Daly, has sent out a letter asking "supporters" to let the council know they wish to see Lidl in the town.

Since the Mr Daly's letter went out on November 16, well over 200 people have contacted SWT.

In his letter, Mr Daly said: "You are one of 4,882 local residents that have registered support for the application via the support petition.

"We appreciate your support and your valuable feedback.

"In demonstrating support to the council's planning department, personal letters and e-mails carry significantly more weight than the petition and would be an emphatic display of support for the application."

Mr Daly added: "This would clearly demonstrate to the council that the local community wants this development to go ahead, and therefore could make a huge difference to the outcome of the application, so please make your voice heard while you still have the chance."