'Aldi can't make us homeless just to build a shop'

A 58-year-old man fears being made homeless after discovering he was being evicted to make way for a new Aldi.

John Gretton and his 64-year-old housemate who live in flats being bought out by Sefton Council, must vacate their home in Sandbrook Road, Ainsdale, by 11 May.

Sefton Council announced plans on 5 March for a new Aldi store nearby promising a £7m investment in the area and up to 40 new jobs - the local authority is buying up the properties and working with Aldi to redevelop the site.

In response to complaints, the supermarket firm said it is working with Sefton Council to support those affected.

"I have been looking at flats and even with money, it's impossible. If I do not find somewhere else, I am homeless unless the council do something but you know how quick they are," Gretton told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

He added: "I fear I could end up on the streets."

Gretton said he did not know what to do and has contacted both Sefton Council leader Marion Atkinson and the local authority's housing options team but was disappointed in the response, adding: "They can't make people homeless just to build a shop.

"They could have given us a year and that would have been fine.

"The stress levels are unreal. My flatmate has been in tears all week."

He told LDRS: "I would like to speak to Aldi but all you get is customer service and you can't pass the message on".

Labour councillor Atkinson said the council bought up the leaseholds for all the properties in Sandbrook Neighbourhood Centre adding this included awarding priority housing status to all living there.

"The council's housing options team have already successfully assisted with rehousing a number of tenants who have been affected, and will continue to do so ensuring that any further tenants can be suitably rehoused," she said.

An Aldi spokesperson said: "We are sorry to hear of the residents' concerns and, alongside Sefton Council, are proactively engaging with those affected."

Gretton's landlord was also approached for comment.

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