Lidl’s seeking site for store in Garstang

Speculation has been rife that the cut-price supermarket chain and fellow German rival Aldi have been eyeing up sites in the town.

A spokesperson for the retailer said there were no concrete proposals for development, but confirmed that an active search was on to identify a site in Garstang for a store.

She said: “There are no firm plans at this moment in time. We continue to search for an appropriate site to provide an additional shopping experience for the people of Garstang.”

The Courier understands one prime site possibly being considered for the store is the Emo Oils depot on Moss Lane. The 1.5 acre site, formerly owned by GB Oils, has previously been the subject of development plans.

Emo Oil spokesperson 
Sarah Lever confirmed that company sales staff would be vacating the premises and re-locating to the the company’s base in Clitheroe within the next three months.

The spokeswoman said: “The operational side of the business has already closed.

“As part of new business strategy and for commercial reasons, the sales site will be closed and staff will be redeployed to our Clitheroe site.”

She was unable to comment further on suggestion the site was to be put up for sale or say if it had been earmarked for any major re-
development.

A spokesman for supermarket chain Aldi said the company was unable to comment on speculation that the company may be interested in the oil depot land or about any potential interest in opening a Garstang store.

Lidl has around 600 UK stores and has consistently scored highly in customer satisfaction surveys.

Presently the nearest stores to Garstang are located in Preston, Lancaster and Cleveleys.