Eager shoppers queue up as new Aldi finally opens

The supermarket opened at 8am on Thursday after Gold medal-winning Olympic equestrian showjumper Thomas McEwen cut the ribbon to much applause from queuing customers.

The retailer submitted plans to build a branch near the Blackworth Industrial Estate in Highworth four years ago and, after a few setbacks and delays, it is finally here.

Jean McGahee and Elaine Parkhill praised the newest addition to the area as, up until now, the hilltop town's only supermarket was the Co-op on Brewery Street.

Jean said: "We don't go in there because it's too expensive and instead go to the Aldi in Stratton, so this new one is brilliant for us because we only live just up the road."

Elaine added: "We like to dawdle and take our time, so we got here early to have a wander and not rush.

"Maybe next, Highworth could have a Home Bargains or a PetsAtHome, then I'd not have to go to Swindon."

Jean McGahee and Elaine Parkhill visit the new Aldi (Image: Dave Cox)

Part of the site is still being worked on. When it's finished, there should be space for other offices and light industrial units, as well as a new footpath connecting the supermarket to the nearest bus stop.

Highworth Town Council strongly supported the retail giant's plans for the new shop right from the outset.

This proposal almost fell at the first hurdle as Swindon Borough Council considered refusing the application due to fears it would lead to Highworth's high street losing trade.

Barry Phillips-Richardson was one of 2,800 people who signed a petition - which included local traders - urging the local authority to give the supermarket the green light.

Olympian Tom McEwen with Aldi staff and young customers at the opening of the new Highworth store (Image: Dave Cox)

He said: "I've never done that before or since, but I thought Highworth deserved options.

"That petition began the momentum for the new Aldi, it was worth it."

The plans did indeed get approved in July 2018, then the Midcounties Co-op tried to appeal against this decision but were overruled by the borough in January 2019.

Covid delayed the redevelopment of this greenfield site near the A361, but construction began in July this year.

The new Aldi in Highworth (Image: Dave Cox)

Mayor of Highworth Julie Murphy said: "People are excited about it because it gives residents an opportunity of choice of where they shop.

"Hopefully, it will bring people into our town as well, which we would like to see because we have a lovely town centre."

Store manager Ben Cairns will run the Lechlade Road shop with a team of 30 staff.

He said: “It’s been a wonderful morning here at the opening of Aldi Highworth.

"It was lovely to welcome our new customers into store, and I look forward to meeting more of the community in the coming weeks. I’m also thrilled that we’ve been able to support Westrop Primary School through our partnership with Team GB.”

Staff in Highworth's new Aldi (Image: Aldi)

Tokyo 2020 medallist Thomas McEwen gave away bags of fresh fruit and veg from Aldi's Super 6 range to the first 30 customers and delivered an inspirational assembly for pupils at Westrop Primary School afterwards, and presented the winner of a poster competition with a £20 voucher.

He added: “I’ve had a fantastic time opening the new Aldi this morning. It was an honour to officially open the store and welcome customers inside for the first time.

“It was great to speak with the children at Westrop Primary School about the importance of eating healthily and how it can be fun to plan and prepare meals as a family. Hopefully I’ve also managed to inspire the pupils to keep active and try different sports.”

Team GB medallist Tom McEwen with Westrop Primary School pupils (Image: Aldi)