DISCOUNT food superstore Aldi has announced it is opening a new store in Oldbury creating 40 new jobs.

The German retailer unveiled plans for the new food store on vacant land on Wolverhampton Road in Oldbury, opposite Asda.

The proposed site is next to the Ramada Hotel and and shoppers can use an existing junction from the Wolverhampton Road.

A spokesperson for Aldi said: “We believe the site in Wolverhampton Road is an excellent opportunity to offer the local community an improved choice when completing their shopping, as well as increasing competition for the existing retailers in the area.”

“However, before we move forward and look to submit a planning application to Sandwell Borough Council, we are eager to understand the views of the local community and ensure their comments can be taken into consideration.”

He added: "The proposals seek to transform this disused area of land with a multi-million pound development, introducing a contemporary designed food store to serve the local community.

"Whilst breathing new life into this vacant site, the proposed store would create up to 40 new full and part time jobs which would be aimed at local people."

A public exhibition is planned for residents to come along and meet the Aldi team to find out more about the proposed food store.

The exhibition will take place on Friday, September 5, between 3pm and 7pm, at the St John Ambulance Tom Gough Centre, Birchfield Lane.

The Aldi spokesman added: “To provide local residents with information on the proposals and the upcoming exhibition, we have sent a community newsletter with a feedback card to over 2,500 households and businesses in the area.

We look forward to welcoming people to our public exhibition on 5 September, but if residents have any questions in the meantime they should call the project’s freephone information line on 0800 298 7040.”

The new store will include a car park with 115 spaces including seven disabled and five parent and child spaces.