INDEPENDENT businesses have reacted to the opening of a new budget supermarket chain.

Lidl will open on Beezon Road in Kendal, formerly Homebase, today.

The new store will create around 40 jobs and feature Lidl’s in-store bakery, customer toilet with baby changing facilities as well as parking for cars and bicycles. 

The new supermarket forms part of the company’s ongoing £1.3 billion investment across the country in 2021 and 2022, with Lidl GB now the sixth largest supermarket chain in the UK.

It will be Kendal's ninth supermarket joining the likes of ASDA, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Booths, Tesco Express, Iceland, Marks & Spencer and Aldi.

Independent businesses have spoken about the pros and cons that the supermarket will bring to their trade.

Jana Chovanova, owner of Staff of Life Bakery, said: "It is going to probably take some customers from us, which is worrying, but on the other side we have got our own customers which will probably stay with us.

"We can't compare our bread with supermarket bread but obviously we are counting with some losses - it has got positive and negative sides. 

"It will bring new opportunities to people, like new jobs."

Warren Ryan, the owner of eastern European store Zabka Kendal, said: "It is good for the town - any business is good for any town - but it will also affect small businesses. 

"It is going to make things harder for businesses to compete with their level because they are a huge company.

"Lidl sells the product that I sell like Eastern European products."

Marianne Woodend, owner of The Bakery at No.4, said she does not see it having a 'particular impact' on their business.

She said: "We are a very different business. We have got cafe elements at the bakery so it is quite sociable. People meet here for a coffee and a cake. 

"I'm quite happy with them opening because I like Lidl and it will be nice to have one in Kendal.

"I don't see them bringing anything different to the area. It is slightly more convenient for people because they don't have to go as far as they are in the town centre. I think they are offering what is already here but just more of it."

Peter Brendling, the manager of Kendal's Business Improvement District, said: "Kendal BID is pleased to see LIDL opening in Kendal.

"It will help bring employment to Kendal.

"Its location near the main shopping area of town will hopefully encourage shoppers to visit other shops and businesses in the town."