A supermarket rivalry has erupted in Bath as Waitrose, Morrisons, and the Co-op oppose plans to open a new Lidl store on London Road at Lambridge. The established retailers warn that the budget supermarket could siphon customers from their city centre outlets and neighbourhood shops, particularly in Larkhall.
Waitrose projects a potential trade loss of £660,000 by 2031 and points to the recent closure of a local Co-op following the opening of a Lidl in Twerton as a cautionary tale. Yet the opinions of Bath residents remain divided.
Wendy van der Woerd, a loyal Waitrose customer, said, “I probably would stick to Waitrose because I think their produce is really good and I’m used to it.” Conversely, her friend Jean Scofield welcomed the prospect of a Lidl, suggesting it would “do a jolly good service” to residents on that side of town.
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At the Co-op in Larkhall, shopper Graham affirmed his loyalty to the neighbourhood store but concedes he occasionally travels to the Lidl in Trowbridge for larger purchases due to its better parking facilities.
However, congestion on London Road is a significant concern. Plans for the Lidl were previously withdrawn due to fears of exacerbating traffic woes, though the company recently submitted revised proposals aimed at mitigating these issues. Locals like Sharon worry the new store could worsen traffic but acknowledge the store’s appeal for access and affordability, especially given perceptions that Morrisons has declined in quality and the Co-op remains expensive.
Others, such as Joseph V.W., cited traffic and preferred shopping at Morrisons for better value and quality, while Anthony Mortimer views Larkhall as a distinct village, skeptical that a Lidl on the city’s edge would serve local residents adequately.
If approved, the Lidl would be located just beyond Bath’s city limits along London Road, creating up to 40 jobs. Lidl’s updated retail assessment claims the store will not significantly harm neighbouring shops.
The debate continues as Bath residents weigh convenience, affordability, and the impact on their community’s character and traffic.