A new chapter in Bath’s supermarket rivalry is unfolding as Waitrose, Morrisons, and the Co-op collectively oppose plans to open a Lidl on London Road at Lambridge. These established retailers warn that the budget supermarket could draw customers away from their city centre stores and local shops in Larkhall.
Waitrose projects a potential £660,000 loss in trade by 2031 if the Lidl opens, while the Co-op points to the Twerton Lidl’s opening as a factor in the closure of a nearby Co-op store. But local shoppers offer a range of perspectives on whether these fears are well founded.
Wendy van der Woerd, a loyal Waitrose customer, expressed her preference, saying, “I’m a devoted Waitrose fan. 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 welcomes the addition of Lidl, particularly for residents on the city’s east side: “It would do a jolly good service to a lot of people.”
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In Larkhall, a community just uphill from the proposed site, Graham praised the Co-op as an essential local shop but admitted he travels to Lidl in Trowbridge for larger shopping trips, citing better parking. Concerns about traffic congestion on the busy London Road remain significant, with previous Lidl plans withdrawn last year over such issues. Ikea’s newly revised proposal aims to mitigate traffic impact, but local residents remain apprehensive.
Sharon, another local, worries about congestion but acknowledges Lidl’s appeal to areas lacking affordable grocery options. “The Co-op is expensive,” she notes, “and Morrisons has really gone downhill.” Meanwhile, Joseph V.W., choosing Morrisons for its quality and value, suggests congestion could deter use of a new Lidl. His friend considers the local Co-op primarily a convenience stop.
Longtime resident Anthony Mortimer doubts local shoppers near Larkhall will visit the new store, favoring existing specialty shops such as greengrocers and delis. “I’m not keen on the idea,” he says, highlighting the village-like character of the area just outside central Bath.
If approved, the new Lidl would be located just past the “Welcome to Bath” sign on London Road, creating up to 40 jobs. Lidl’s updated retail assessment asserts its impact on local shopping areas would be minimal.