EVESHAM's newest supermarket could be open in time for Christmas if planning permission is granted by Wychavon District Council, it was revealed this week.

The latest newcomer on the retail front will be German-owned Aldi, the cut-price, no-frills chain, which plans to take over the site of the former Somerfield store in Swan Lane.

The site became vacant when Somerfield re-branded the Kwiksave store on Evesham High Street. It reopened in its new guise last week.

Property director Richard Labbett for Aldi stores based in Atherstone hopes planning permission will be granted by the district council and is looking to open the store on Swan Lane before Christmas.

Aldi will move into the premises if permission is granted to carry out minor external alterations with a new shop front, which could see construction work being carried out by Vale workers.

It is also hoped the store's policy of sourcing local food will offer opportunities to regional producers.

Bread in some existing Aldi stores in Worcestershire is produced by a family-owned business in Worcestershire.

The news was welcomed by town centre manager Lew Hammond said: "We're delighted with the news that an Aldi stores could be coming to the town it's just what the town centre needs. They're a quality outfit that would be an asset to any town, we're very lucky they have chosen to come to Evesham."

Other changes on the retail front include the change of ownership of Hargreaves Sports in Bridge Street which is now trading as Sportsworld and the imminent closure of Woolworths after trading on June 17 in order to carry out a facelift of the store. It is due to re-open on June 27.

In addition, the Journal was recently contacted by Domino Pizza which is reported to be seeking a suitable town centre site in Evesham.