Lidl UK aims to submit planning applications for outlets on the old coalyard site in Pickering and at Robsons Motor Services premises at Welham Road, Norton, within the next month.

The company held an open day in Pickering's WRVS Centre on Monday to outline the plans to local residents and businesses and there will be another in Norton tomorrow.

A Lidl spokesman declined to say what the investment in the stores would be, but said each would have a floor area of 1,063 sq metres – 10,700 sq ft.

He estimated about 500 people attended the Pickering open day and said feedback was "positive" with most expressing support.

He said the company was aware of the history of the site and a flood risk assessment, together with a highways impact study, were being carried out by consultants.

He said the firm had been looking to build stores in Pickering and Norton as part of its expansion programme in the UK and the proposed sites were ideally situated to serve the needs of residents, bringing jobs and investment, and an alternative discount food store.

Harold Darley, managing director of Robsons Motor Services, said the approach by Lidl would mean the company could build new premises while remaining on the existing site.

He said: "Robsons Garages in one form or other has been here for more than 100 years and we certainly wish to continue here for many more years to come. However, if Lidl are able to develop part of the land here we will be able to construct a more modern and efficient showroom and workshop which will enable us to continue offering our customers the personal service we pride ourselves on."

Tomorrow's open day is at St Peter's Church House, Langton Road, from noon-6pm and members of the development team will be available to answer questions.

Lidl & Schwarz Grocery Wholesale was founded in Germany in the 1930s and Lidl stores opened in 1973. Since establishing itself in the UK in 1994 it now has over 450 stores.

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