A LAST-ditch attempt for a second budget supermarket in Ely could damage trade in Soham, according to the town's association of commerce and trade.
German supermarket chain Lidl launches a public inquiry next week in an attempt to build a store on the outskirts of the city.
Planning chiefs have rejected the proposals three times, despite giving the go-ahead for fellow budget store Aldi to op
en at Lisle Lane.
Soham Association of Commerce and Trade chairman Robert Peacock believes the town could survive one budget store so close by but not two.
"It is going to take a certain amount of trade out of Soham," he said.
"I do not think one of these stores will do Soham any harm but two, yes.
"I hope the people of Soham will support the local shops but with the economic downturn they are going to go for cheaper places and who can blame them?"
Lidl wants to build a store and car park on the 1,000 sq ft EMG Ford dealership site in Angel Drove, opposite Tesco.
Planning officers and councillors have rejected the plans because of its out-of-centre location. Lucie Turnell, the council's case officer for the previous applications, said the council was looking to develop and strengthen the city centre before sites on the outskirts of Ely.
"We will be putting our case forward at the inquiry to defend our reason for refusal," she said.
The public inquiry is being held on Tuesday, November 18, at 10am, at the Arkenstall Centre, Station Road, Haddenham.
Members of the public are welcome to attend.
The full article contains 274 words and appears in Newmarket Journal newspaper.
