A GROUP of business owners at a Hampshire industrial complex are fighting back over controversial plans to build a new Lidl store.

Business owners at the Apex Centre on Newgate Lane in Fareham are joining together to buy the site in a bid to save their jobs and businesses after planning permission for the new store was approved last month.

It will put up to 60 at the business site at risk.

But the group took part in a discussion with Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage and the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)who may also help to fund the purchase of the site through their Growth Hub.

Kevin Arrowsmith, director of A and S Signs and Graphics said: “I welcome Lidl’s creating retail jobs in the UK, but not at the expense of evicting and closing UK manufacturing and engineering firms to make room for their redevelopments. “I hope that Lidl except that their social responsibilities to the communities they trade in and reconsider the enforced evicted of the busineses at the Apex Centre and accept an offer from the businesses to buy the estate.

“This would secure this important business hub, saving the business’s that export worldwide, allowing them to take control of their own future and to continue to create more highly skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs.”

“The UK cannot afford to sacrifice the future of the next generation of skilled apprentices by denying them the opportunity of employment within these firms.”

Richard Jones, head of policy, communications and partner engagement at the Solent LEP, said: “The Solent LEP is keen to support any business that is seeking to safeguard jobs in the Solent area and have put in place arrangements for businesses to access bespoke support, tailored to their individual plans for the future through our Growth Hub.

“We also have funding available which may be able to help businesses looking to safeguard or create new employment and we would encourage any business that may be affected to contact our Growth Hub with a view to secure advice on what options may be available to them.”

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage, said: “I’ve spent my years as Gosport MP encouraging local enterprise and entrepreneurship, that’s why I’m concerned about the prospect of losing 14 small local employers at the expense of a big international retailer, with a net loss of local jobs.

“I’m keen to support the Apex businesses to navigate the best possible future for them and their staff.”

Councillor Sean Woodward, the leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “I have encouraged the businesses to approach the Solent LEP and I have encouraged the Solent LEP to offer support to the business.

“LIDL are paying over the market value for land in order to progress their expansion nationally.”

A spokesperson for the Rookery Estates, the owners of the Apex Centre, said: “This is the first time that we have been contacted about such a proposal and therefore are unable to comment.”

When approached by the Daily Echo, Lidl refused to comment on the plans.