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Discount grocer Lidl has confirmed that around 40 jobs, both full and part-time, will be created at its new Sutton Coldfield store when it finally opens.

A company spokesman has confirmed that the new store in Mere Green will be open ‘within weeks’ after suffering delays and sparking anger over increased traffic and pavement access.

Workers are busy working on the inside of the store, with completion set to be completed next month.

A Lidl spokesman said: “We can confirm that construction of our new Lidl store in Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield, is well underway and is expected to open later this summer.

“Once opened, the store will create around 40 full and part time jobs for the local area and we look forward to delivering our fresh, quality and affordable produce to the local community.”

It comes as discount rival Aldi have revealed plans and images of how a new store in Sutton town centre will look.

If plans are approved, the German giant says it wants to build the £5 million new store at the eyesore Brassington Avenue site, which has remained derelict for years.

The firm has released a computer generated image (right), of how the new store will look and says it will increase staff numbers to around 45 when it takes over from the current store on The Parade in the town centre.

That’s not all in the discount stores battle. In a move which is sure to create even more anger and controversy over increased traffic, Aldi look poised to transform the former Waitrose store on Belwell Lane in Mere Green.