A NEW £4.4 million supermarket is due to open in Evesham on the site of the old Somerfield store in Swan Lane, it was announced this week.

The German cut-price chain Aldi will move in after the site has been redeveloped, bringing with it another boost to the town's economy.

The new development will mean work for local building contractors and its policy of sourcing local food will also offer opportunities to regional food producers.

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

The news was welcomed by town centre manager Lew Hammond who said he was "delighted" to hear Aldi were moving into the town.

"What we do and what we have done through the Market Town Partnership is to provide the conditions to attract inward investment.

"These companies look at Evesham and think: what a smart place to come to.

"This is the best news I have heard all year and I really hope it was a result of our hard work."

Mike Flanders, chairman of the retail sub committee of the Vale of Evesham Commerce and Tourism Association (VECTA) also welcomed the news.

"I am pleased to hear that someone else is coming into the town centre. This can only be good news for all the traders here as it will attract more people into the town.

"It will be competitive, but that's not a bad thing."

Aldi regional managing director Andreas Siegmann said: "We're really looking forward to bringing a new Aldi store to Evesham.

"Shoppers can expect some great offers and consistently competitive prices. We stock everything from everyday food and household items to luxury goods for special occasions."

Mr Siegmann added: "We might be cheaper but we don't compromise on quality.

"Our wines regularly win major awards at the International Wine & Spirit Competition and the International Wine Challenge.

"Our quality is second to none, our range will surprise and our prices are nothing short of sensational.

"We'll also be bringing our hugely popular weekly specials to Evesham, where we do fantastic deals on items ranging from plasma TVs to rowing machines.

"In fact, with over 50 new items every week, Aldi is much more than a standard supermarket."