RESIDENTS have expressed their anger at plans to build a new food store on a disused police station site.

A former city councillor has organised a public meeting about Lidl’s planned redevelopment of Shirley Police Station.

Lidl aims to build a new store – double the size of its nearby Janson Road premises – with 125 parking spaces, creating 45 to 50 jobs.

To allow the plans to go ahead, the chain has earmarked its Janson Road store for closure by next year.

Former Millbrook councillor Steven Galton, who is chairing the meeting, said: “I was concerned about the lack of knowledge of such a major redevelopment and because of these concerns I have sought to ensure the community is fully aware of Lidl’s planning application.”

Mr Galton said he had concerns about possible traffic congestion created by the new store and the loss of a yew tree on the police station site.

“Hopefully by holding our public meeting we raise awareness and can come together to help shape an appropriate development for the site, that improves our local community.” he added.

Mr Galton added that he would like to see Lidl put their plans on hold while discussions can begin with the local community.

As previously reported both Lidl and its rival Aldi were keen to secure the site, one of nearly 40 police stations to shut in Hampshire since 2008.

The meeting will be held on Thursday at 6.30pm at the Freemantle and Shirley Community Centre.