Portchester's new Lidl store to open in November

Thousands signed a petition calling for the budget supermarket to open in the Castle Trading Estate, Southampton Road, Portchester and now that dream is nearing a reality.

Work on the site started earlier this year and now the superstore is set to open its doors to the public in November, a month ahead of its original intended target.

A spokesperson for Lidl told The News: ‘I can confirm the store is scheduled to open in November, however, I cannot confirm the exact date.’

A petition of 4,300 names was submitted to Fareham Borough Council in favour of the store’s opening before the local authority granted planning permission last July.

The discount supermarket also had further plans to extend its forthcoming store approved this January.

For Councillor Geoff Fazackarley, who represents Portchester East on Fareham Borough Council said: ‘This will be a really big boost to the Portchester precinct.

‘I remember from day one how much support we got from residents about bringing Lidl to Portchester.

‘Now, it’s nearly a reality and it will only bring more people to the district when it opens.’

A series of working groups have been set up at the borough council to come up with ways to revitalise the ageing district.

Councillor Shaun Cunningham, who also represents Portchester East said: ‘I really think that residents will be delighted to know that store will soon be opening.

‘The day the store opens will be a great day for the people of Portchester.’