Norwich: Drayton Road Lidl store in Mile Cross set to close

Staff at the Drayton Road Lidl in Mile Cross were informed of news that their store would be closing in a meeting on Sunday (February 26), with many set to transfer to the Lidl store in Aylsham Road.

The reason for the closure is believed to be its condition - being one of the older stores, the brand will spend money on building anew near housing development sites rather than refurbishing the current premises.

The Drayton Road Lidl in Mile Cross, Norwich - Picture: Maya Derrick (Image: Newsquest)

A specific date is yet to be confirmed publicly.

Lidl has been approached for comment.

Customers said the closure will be "a great loss to the community".

The news comes as the German-founded brand hopes to have 1,100 stores open across UK by 2025.

It's understood there have been discussions about building a new store near the city boundary.

The nearest Lidl stores are in Aylsham Road, also in Mile Cross, Blue Boar Lane in Sprowston, Fir Covert Road in Taverham and Poppy Way off the NDR at Postwick.

Mile Cross county councillor Chrissie Rumsby said losing the Drayton Road store is "scary".

Chrissie Rumsby, Labour county councillor for Mile Cross (Image: Labour Party)

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She said: "With the cost of living crisis, Lidl is a saviour for the community.

"But I worry about the impact on staff.

"A new store on the outskirts of the city won't do Mile Cross any good.

"As much as there is another Lidl on the other side of Mile Cross, this could really divide the community."

The store remains open for now and there is an Asda supermarket just under a mile away, as well as an Aldi store less than half a mile in the opposite direction.

"I'm really concerned," Cllr Rumsby continued. "The Drayton Road store is always busy. It has all Mile Cross needs.

"It sells cheap quality food and I feel this isn't a positive move for the community."