The diggers and workmen finally moved into Brookend Street this week to demolish the old Gardner Butcher Garage buildings.

The demolition will make way for the long-awaited Aldi store to be built on the site, and has been welcomed by many current Brookend Street business owners who feel the new store will clean up and re-invigorate that area of town.

An Aldi spokesperson told the Ross Gazette: "We are pleased to confirm that works have commenced on site and we anticipate opening the new Aldi store later in 2014.

"We are looking forward to bringing local shoppers brand-like quality products at everyday low prices."

Aldi have owned the building for over a decade but, until now, have not been prepared to commence work, leaving the buildings and site to fall into a state of disrepair.

For the last two years Councillor Andrew Atkinson has been pushing the issue with planning enforcement, having legal notices drawn up to force Aldi into action.Last October, grey hoardings were erected around the site as part of the enforcement process. Since then, after electing to spend £500,000 on the required sewer upgrades of the site, Aldi began preparations for building.

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.