SUPERMARKET giant, Aldi have confirmed they are eyeing a site in Andover.

In a busy week of retail developments in the town, Aldi has exclusively revealed to the Advertiser that it is “actively seeking” a shop and is currently hunting for a suitable site.

This paper has been told by sources that bosses have earmarked a location on Weyhill Road, which was previously used as a Peugeot car dealership, although Aldi have not confirmed or denied this.

A spokesman for the retailer said: “We are actively seeking a site in Andover in the hope of bringing an Aldi store to the area and creating jobs for the s u r r o u n d i n g communities. We look forward to bringing retail choice to Andover and providing shoppers with high quality products at everyday low prices.”

The move is part of a drive by the supermarket chain to increase its coverage across the south of England and will come as welcome news to shoppers in the town, who have recently seen the temporary closure of Andover’s Lidl store.

It will also be a positive development for Andover’s bargainhungry shoppers, who currently have to drive over 20 miles to get to their nearest Aldi store in Newbury.

One group who are pleased with the announcement are the Andover committee of H a m p s h i r e ’ s Chamber of Commerce.

Chairman of the group Hendry Taylor told the Advertiser: “We welcome any new business to Andover that would generate more jobs for the local residents.

“It is even better when, as in the case of Aldi, they will potentially be using up a space that has been vacant for some time.

“This improves the local economy for businesses close by with increased foot traffic in the area.

“There is the added benefit that having Aldi in Andover will give the residents more choice and provide competition for the other supermarkets in the town.”