A SUPERMARKET preparing to open for business has dismissed fears that “traffic chaos” is on the horizon and that its store is being built bigger than agreed.

Lidl, which is being built on the former council depot at Parc Dyffryn behind Prestatyn bus station, is expected to open at the end of summer and create 40 jobs.

A drone picture, captured by Mayor of Prestatyn Anton Sampson, a town and county councillor, has now revealed the enormity of the new store.

But Lidl says there has been no changes to the its size or to access arrangements since planning permission was granted in 2016.

A spokesman for the German global discount chain dismissed rumours that the store was “supersized” and added that it would not be selling white goods as “this is not something that Lidl offer”.

Last year, contruction work ceased around the exposed pipe area on site following a contamination scare; diggers uncovered black sludge after cutting through a pipe.

Resident Jackie Rowe said she feared the sludge uncovered was the highly toxic ‘blue billy’, which is associated with the production of coal gas and contains high levels of cyanide.

At the time, a Denbighshire County Council (DCC) spokesperson said: “Officers immediately responded and made contact with those persons working on the site.

"Having inspected the site thoroughly, staff confirmed that there was some very low-level residual land contamination.

"This was not considered to be a health risk. The site is contained within an enclosed and secure site with no access to the public."

Work resumed but as the construction took shape, residents aired their fears on the size of the development.

Audrey Townsend, a bus passenger and Prestatyn resident, said: “The development has been going on for yonks.

“We have to walk down to get on the bus and it is so disruptive.

“I know 20 people who would say the same thing. The buses have been very good but the fact is, it goes on and on.

“They might be now creating a car park, but what is the truth? What is really happening? I’ve heard rumours they may be taking down the [perimeter] wall.

“There are a number of charity shops and little shops and they give the town their character. This is going to impact on all of these.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I think it (Lidl) will destroy the town when it opens. It should never have been allowed. Traffic is already a nightmare to get to work - imagine the chaos of yet more traffic.”

Cllr Sampson said: “I will be monitoring the traffic situation but if the lights are set up intelligently then hopefully potential problems an be alleviated.

“A lot of people will travel to Prestatyn to visit Lidl which can only be a bonus for the town.

“I’m well aware that retail expansion can only go so far in a small town. I think we have it about right at the moment.

“I’m not sure the store is too big. A fair amount of the footprint would be storage.”

Cllr Paul Penlington, town and county councillor, added: "The size of this store and its location can only have a detrimental affect on an already struggling road network in Prestatyn.

"There have been several substantial developments in Prestatyn over the last few years but no real improvement to our road system.

"Speeding on side roads is increasing whilst routes into town and our town centre are in virtual gridlock during busy periods.

"Earlier this year, I asked DCC to conduct a complete traffic review of the whole of Prestatyn and Meliden, after some debate but with the support of all other county councillors in the area, they have agreed to do that.

"The survey will take place over the summer and I am informed it will take this, and other, developments into account."

A spokesperson from Lidl told the Journal that highway improvement work was being undertaken and as agreed with Denbighshire County Council’s highways department.

The store is using the existing access point, which is being improved, and there will be pedestrian access from the bus station and from Pendyffryn Road.

Stuart Jardine, Lidl UK’s regional head of property, said: “Construction of the new Lidl store for Prestatyn is progressing well and we anticipate the store being open at the end of the summer.

“I would like to thank the local community for their continued support and patience and look forward to welcoming shoppers to the new store soon.”