A PETITION has been created to stop a new Aldi from being built.

Last week, the supermarket chain announced that it wants to open a new shop on Wootton Road in Abingdon. 

The company has identified the site as a potential area to build the new store. 

Read also: Flats in Cowley had no running water for days 

The petition to Vale of White Horse District Council, created by Steve Alix, says the new development would 'destroy our local environment' and 'will result in a loss of habitat'. 

The petition is seeking 100 signatures and by 5.30pm on Monday had received 25 signatures. 

The petition states: "Around the Wootton road area of Abingdon there is a new housing estate being built and now an Aldi and more houses are proposed.

"This is destroying our local environment and no matter how carbon neutral this site will be, this will result in loss of habitat and damage to the environment that’s already there.

"This is all going to be built on green space.

"There already is a local co-op, Budgens, and two nearby Tesco Express along with several supermarkets in town and a new Lidl about to open.

Read more here: Aldi reveals plans to open new store in Abingdon  

"We don’t need another store and more housing. All I’m asking is can we make room for the environment and local wildlife. 

"There are units available at Fairacres retail park (4 empty units)."

The petition was posted to the public Abingdon Facebook group.

A number of people commented on the petition saying that they would not sign it. 

Sabrina Franks said: "This is within walking distance of my house, I would say most of Peachcroft would use it.

"I normally drive to Didcot to shop at Aldi, or Oxford for Lidl.

"This will personally reduce the amount I have to drive."

Andrea Astley added: "People love Aldi, and will welcome this, me included."

Ste Hawley said: "Bring on the Aldi. Less driving to Didcot means less emissions." 

Read also: Catalytic convertor theft in Aldi car park

Others in the Facebook group seemed concerned about the environmental impact the store could have.

James Wigmore added: "I have watched herons there over the years.

"There must be wildlife there to attract them to feed off.

"It would be a shame to lose that." 

Another member of the Facebook page questioned whether the petition would help the matter.

Alan Briggs said: "I think it's an unrealistic petition. I deplore the excessive building on green sites, and the lack of investment in infrastructure, but for the petition to get any traction it has to be realistic and I do not think a nature reserve is realistic, nice though it would be."

You can see the petition here.