PLANS by supermarket giant Lidl to open a store in Keighley have been welcomed.

Senior community figures say the scheme will bring investment to the town and create jobs.

Lidl is proposing to build the outlet on the former Hope Mills site, at the corner of Greengate Road and South Street.

The company is currently carrying out an online public consultation, ahead of submitting a detailed planning application to Bradford Council.

Lidl says the store would have a 1,251sqm sales area and feature facilities including a bakery and customer toilets.

There will be a 99-space car park and two electric vehicle charging points initially, with capacity for more.

Landscaping across the site will include tree planting, there will be an upgraded vehicular entrance and a widened footpath.

The scheme will create around 40 full and part-time jobs.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore says: "I welcome the plans for a new Lidl supermarket – it will bring jobs to the town, drive growth and increase footfall in our area.

"It is brilliant to see disused sites like these being utilised to drive job creation across our town and bring new opportunities to those seeking work. Creating jobs is a huge priority for our town, and these plans will do just that."

Town mayor, Councillor Luke Maunsell, says anything that brings employment and investment to Keighley should be welcomed.

He adds: "I am happy that facilities for electric vehicles are being suggested as part of the project, as well as a clear commitment to upgrades for access and pathways which would benefit residents.

"I – and the town council's planning committee – will look forward to seeing further plans as they develop, to fully appraise the proposals."

A spokesperson for Lidl said: "All Lidl recruitment specifically targets our stores' primary catchment areas – usually less than a five-minute drive from the supermarket. This means that around 80 per cent of jobs will be filled locally, providing a real boost to the local economy.

"Also, we work with a number of organisations and charities that reflect our values. Each of our stores is partnered with local community groups such as food banks and homeless shelters to redistribute surplus food and customer donations. Our localised programme enables direct support to be given to the community served.

"All feedback from the community consultation will be considered and changes made to the proposals if possible and appropriate.

"Following consultation, a planning application will be submitted to Bradford Council which will make a decision on whether to approve the store proposals."

More details can be found at keighley.newstore.lidl.co.uk.