Not one person against Lidl's Irvine store plans - that was the claim made tonight after a packed public meeting to discuss North Ayrshire Council's rejection for a supermarket at Stanecastle.
Nearly 100 people turned up at the Volunteer Rooms to hear the latest from Lidl bosses Ross Jackson and Gordon Rafferty at an event organised by Lidl Action Group.
And Action Group member Sylvia Mallinson said she was overwhelmed by the level of interest from the public.
“There wasn’t a seat left and people were having to stand,” said Sylvia.
“And not one person said they were against Lidl bringing the store to Stanecastle.”
Jackie Frew from Irvine Community Council said it was clear there was a gap between what the public in Irvine want and the council planning decision-making process.
Jackie added: “It was quite obvious from tonight that people feel passionately about this. I think we might need a bigger room for our next meeting.”
An update on the next stage was given by Lidl bosses who say the plan will now go to a local review body.
They also went through other suggested locations, including the former Ayrshire Metal site, giving reasons why they were not suitable.
Sylvia said: “The public are clearly in favour of the Stanecastle site. It’s meeting a gap in the market in that area.”
Lidl Action Group now plan to hold a further public meeting in a month’s time.
“We already have hundreds of people on our mailing list and we took everyone’s details tonight, so we can keep everyone informed, “added Sylvia.
“The next meeting will be in about four weeks time. Hopefully we will have more to update the community with then.”
