Norwich: Petition launched as Mile Cross Lidl closing set

In March Lidl announced one of its two Mile Cross stores was to close with the building "no longer fit for purpose".

Those living near the Drayton Road store have shared their upset about its closure, which last week was announced as April 30.

The Lidl store in Drayton Road, Mile Cross, which is set to close on April 30 (Image: Newsquest)

The store is among the oldest in Britain, opening in 1995 - just a year after the German supermarket first opened in Britain.

Campaigners say many people who don’t have cars rely on the budget supermarket being within walking distance.

Debbie Pegg, who started a petition which now has more than 100 signatures, said: "Many elderly people are worried that they won’t be able to afford to shop at the other convenience stores on the roundabout and have mobility issues which make it impossible for them to walk further to shop.

Debbie Pegg, right, set up the petition. Pictured with fellow Green party member Tom Holloway (Image: Green Party)

"Before Lidl came there was more variety of shops - we had a butchers and bakers.

"Such businesses find it hard to compete with discount stores so Lidl shouldn’t just abandon the community because it suits them."

Lidl has been approached for comment.

Chrissie Rumsby (Image: Labour Party)

Mile Cross Labour county councillor Chrissie Rumsby said: "This closure will have a huge impact.

"Some people don't have transport or can't make the extra few steps to the other Lidl.

"This shop is one of convenience. Not everyone is able to shop online.

"The needs of the community have not been acknowledged, it's frustrating."

Tom Holloway, Green Party city council candidate, added: "We have a cost of living crisis, a climate emergency and issues with air pollution.

"We need to be reducing car use where possible and make it easy for people on restricted budgets to make the right choices for their budgets and the planet."