An Exmouth business leader has said the town 'has no need for another Lidl store', after the budget supermarket announced it is looking at building a new store in central Exmouth.

The new store would be part of Lidl's ambitious plans to double its UK portfolio.

Exmouth already has a Lidl store on Dinan Way. Information released by Lidl's suggests the budget supermarket is specifically looking at 'Exmouth Central'.

Exmouth Chamber of Commerce chairman Ian MacQueen believes Exmouth has no need for another Lidl store, he said: "Frankly I don't think the town needs another Lidl as it already has one. Yes the existing Lidl store is often over shopped with an under provided for car park and a Lidl in the centre of town would benefit those without a car but there is Tesco Express.

"I think the only retailers that Lidl would hurt are the existing national supermarket food retailers who are already in Exmouth: Tesco, M&S and Lidl."

Nub News also contacted Exmouth Indoor Market manager Jerry Miller for his take on the potential new Lidl store, he said: "We would desperately like to see more footfall in the town. It's not ideal but if it gets people into town again I'm all for it.

"We've already had the effect from supermarkets, we used to have many more traders selling local produce and food and because we've lost that already a new Lidl really won't affect us.

"Online shopping and parking costs have had a far greater impact on us than supermarkets have."

Lidl has set out its requirements for new sites. Here is what is required of a new Lidl location:

-Prominent sites in town, district, edge of centre or out of town locations.

-Freehold, leasehold or long leasehold opportunities.

-1.5 acre plus stand alone units or up to 4 acres for mixed use scheme developments by Lidl in conjunction with or acting as a developer.