A community is divided over whether a Lidl store should be opened in the area, with one resident unhappy with the “nasty comments” being made on the issue.

Plans to build a branch of the budget supermarket on a green field east of Grove Road, Grove were resubmitted in March, two years after original plans were rejected by Vale of White Horse councillors over concerns it would take up too much green space.

A decision was due to be made about the new plans in May but the council said it had to wait for technical consultations responses.

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It is now expected to be discussed at the planning meeting this month.

Herald Series: Visualisation of Lidl in Grove. Plans by GSC Estates (Wantage) Limited and Lidl Great Britain LimitedVisualisation of Lidl in Grove. Plans by GSC Estates (Wantage) Limited and Lidl Great Britain Limited

The matter of building the German supermarket in the area has divided the community, with people either passionately for, or against, the plans.

Grove district councillor Ben Mabbett previosuly suggested the council is “dragging its feet” and leaving the application in “limbo”, as the decision on plans for a Lidl continue to be delayed.

He said: “I have been stopped in the street to ask when we are getting a Lidl. There is a huge amount of public support for it. Wantage and Grove needs a budget supermarket.”

Brian Piggott of Trinder Road in Wantage, on the other hand, said: “There is clearly a need for additional retail provision of this type to service the growing population in the Wantage area. However, this application has serious shortcomings, particularly in terms of traffic management and safety, and environmental damage.”

One resident has now taken to social media to call on the community to be “respectful” about the topic and “put your objections in a polite manner”.

Marit Selmer-Langaker said the Wantage and Grove Facebook page used to be “friendly” community space.

“However, she said: “Whether or not we want a Lidl or not seems to have brought out a rather unpleasant side of some people

“Rather than making nasty comments on one particular post you might not agree with, best not to comment at all.

“Please don’t ridicule any post in the future.

Herald Series: Visualisation of Lidl in Grove. Plans by GSC Estates (Wantage) Limited and Lidl Great Britain LimitedVisualisation of Lidl in Grove. Plans by GSC Estates (Wantage) Limited and Lidl Great Britain Limited

“Most of us find this site useful and appreciate some of the information posted.

“In the future, please be respectful and put your objections in a polite manner. Most of us live in Wantage and Grove and we would like to maintain a warm and friendly community.”

Many people in the community agreed with Ms Selmer-Langaker words.

Lorraine Webster, for one, noted: “Opinions can be given in a kind and polite manner without resorting to insults.”

Jane Isobel, however, disagreed that the community space has ever been friendly.

“It’s always very argumentative and a lot of antagonist comments,” she said.

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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