RESIDENTS are torn on whether a new Aldi supermarket would be good for the area. 

Some argue that the German supermarket’s plans for a new store at Canford Bottom Roundabout would add traffic to the accident blackspot. 

Others have said they are delighted about the possibility of a budget supermarket being so close and easily accessed by the A31. 

Many residents living in Wimborne, Colehill, Ferndown and Canford Bottom have already written in to Dorset Council, who will decide on the application at an unknown date. 

TRAFFIC: Canford Bottom is known for having bad congestionTRAFFIC: Canford Bottom is known for having bad congestion (Image: Newsquest)

Canford Bottom resident Sheila Short said that the traffic is “bad at the best of times” but during the summer holidays is “horrific”, adding a supermarket would worsen this. 

She said: “I cannot get out of my driveway most mornings because of this traffic; having a superstore on the roundabout where there are frequent bumps and crashes will just make it worse.” 

Susan Davies objected to Aldi’s proposals “most vociferously”, adding Colehill is used as a “rat run” and that extra supermarket traffic would make it worse. 

She said: “Canford Bottom is one of the most congested, dangerous traffic sites in Dorset. There are frequent accidents which causes traffic to backup through Colehill, Wimborne, Ferndown and Parley.  

“A supermarket on this site will further exacerbate the considerable problems that local residents experience on a daily basis.” 

Amy Cullen added: “The application states a lack of discount retail options in the area but this is not accurate.  

“There are a number of discount retail options locally, they just don't happen to be Aldis.” 

There is a Lidl in Ferndown, West Parley, Ringwood and Verwood. The nearest Aldi is in Wallisdown Road. 

Wimborne resident John Burtenshaw disagreed with Amy, citing the only supermarket in his town is an “expensive” Waitrose. 

“I welcome the fact that Aldi will be building here,” he said. “The nearest Aldi is in Poole. Seeing as Wimborne has housing estates being built all round it with the increase in population that will be bring, I fully support the application.” 

Kendall Kingscott, agent for Aldi, said: “The introduction of an Aldi store will improve the current retail offering to the local community by providing a modern, budget supermarket, enhancing consumer choice.”  

A spokesman added: “A new store will improve access to high quality, affordable food – helping to tackle the rising cost of living, while reducing the need to travel to supermarkets further afield.   

“We are aware that there is a lack of discount supermarket options for residents in Canford Bottom, Wimborne and the surrounding areas.”