DRIVERS in Bingley will soon have to hunt out fresh parking spots as Aldi takes possession of the car park beside the site of its new development next week.

But while there could be some traffic upheaval caused by the closure of the Ferncliffe long stay car park beside the Waterloo Road development, local leaders have welcomed the first tangible sign of the new store's arrival.

Bradford Council highways officers have already instructed staff to put up signs explaining the closure on Friday, February 20, and offering alternative parking locations, said Councillor David Heseltine.

"Obviously there will be some inconvenience to Bingley drivers as the long stay car park is released to Aldi, however there is other parking around town such as in Wellington Street," said Cllr Heseltine (Con, Bingley).

"The main thing is that this is a very positive step towards the start of building and hopefully we will be welcoming Aldi on to the site soon.

"People are really looking forward to the new store opening its doors for the benefit of Bingley shoppers as soon as possible."

Chamber of Trade vice-president Howard Martin said the arrival of the German-owned retail giant could not happen soon enough for local consumers and the business community

"We want new business in the town and there is so much interest in the arrival of Aldi," Mr Martin said.

"It's been a long wait and it's still the most commonly asked question I get: "When's Aldi going to open?"

A spokesman for Aldi said: “We are hoping to start work on the site in the next few weeks and look forward to opening our new store to serve the Bingley community. Subject to work going ahead as planned, we are aiming to open the store before Christmas 2015.”

“We are very grateful for the continued support from the local residents, councillors and Philip Davies MP during this lengthy process, and we hope to be able to confirm an opening date for the store in the coming months.”

Shipley Conservative MP Mr Davies said he was pleased with the progress.

"I think everybody in Bingley is very excited by Aldi coming to town and I want them to get cracking as soon as possible.

"We look forward to them opening."

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "Aldi is starting work on its new supermarket in Bingley and taking over the ownership of the 37 space Ferncliffe Road long stay car park from February 20.

"It will therefore close as a public car park and we are erecting signs this week to divert people to the 60 space Wellington Street car park, which is close to the railway station, and the 50 space Waterloo car park on Midland Hill, which is also close by and spaces are usually available.

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