PLANS for an international supermarket chain to build a new branch on the site of the old court building has been met with mixed response from the public.

Lidl have recently submitted a planning application to demolish the old magistrates court, off Pewsham Way, and build its second Chippenham store there, the other is on Hungerdown Lane.

The company held a public exhibition at Pewsham Community Centre on Tuesday to which the plans were favoured by some and criticised by others.

Claire Denton, of Wood Lane, said: "I'm against the plans. Millions was spent on the court building which is bomb-proof and bullet-proof. It feels like a real waste to get rid of that building.

"I'm not overly against having a supermarket on this side of town but I really feel the building could have been used for something else.

"There could have been a police station there or something for the town's youth.

"I'm worried the new supermarket could kill the town's shops as well. I feel like it will just go ahead no matter what I say."

Claire Payne, 58, of Long Close, is much more in favour of the plans.

She said: "Having a new supermarket here is long overdue.

"I've grown up with four supermarkets in this town and that has never affected local business. ]

"The court building isn't being used so it really doesn't matter that it's going to be knocked down. At least it will have a use.

"I don't like Tesco, it's a conglomerate and I think it's time it had some competition.

"Pewsham is treated like the poorer side of Chippenham and we need the same facilities as the rest of it."

Glen Stidever, who is Lidl's head of regional property, was at the exhibition as well to talk to locals and take in their views.

He said: "Pretty much all of the comments we have heard so far have been positive. We've had councillors and residents in here and most of them are positive about the plans which is really great.

"We're looking to offer a more sustainable place for people to shop in. It will mean that Pewsham people will no longer have to travel across town to do their shopping which will save them time.

"I know Chippenham well and know the traffic can be bad. Hopefully have a shop in the right place will help to ease that."

It is predicted around 40 jobs will be created by the new Lidl. The shop will also be powered by solar panels and equipped with electric car charging points.

Chippenham Magistrates Court closed down last year and cases are now heard in Swindon or Salisbury.