THORNBURY'S promised new Aldi store could be open within 12 weeks - although store bosses can't say so themselves.

Confidentiality agreements with former St Mary Centre store operators Somerfield mean that Aldi managers are still unable to give details themselves of their plans for the new store.

Once again it has fallen to shopping centre owners Peer Group to break the silence and issue reassurances that Aldi are moving forward with arrangements to open the new store with minimum delay and had already stripped out the store in preparation for a £750,000 revamp.

Peer Group spokesman Robert Couchman said he was not fettered by the confidentiality clause and could speak more freely.

He said Peer group had taken legal action to quash an attempt by Somerfield to restrict Aldi from opening until six months had elapsed.

"Through our lawyers we forced Somerfield to remove the six month clause but the confidentiality clause still remains," he said.

"It's a shame that the store is not operating over the Christmas period but Aldi will be spending a lot money on it and that can only be good for Thornbury."

Mr Couchman said Peer Group was still working hard to progress the library redevelopment scheme - a crucial element in plans to regenerate the shopping centre.

The plan is currently stalled after Thornbury-based insurance firm Europa Group revealed it was reconsidering its original plans to take office space in the new development.

"Strenuous efforts are still being made to secure a viable alternative solution," said Mr Couchman.

Concerned town councillors recently wrote to Peer Group appealing for assurances that proper regard was being paid to the town's economic viability.

Town and district councillor Maggie Tyrrell said: "I'm pleased that Robert Couchman has now clarified the position of Peer Group and for his reassurance that his company has such good intentions in the town.

"The delay in getting such a statement has added to the anxiety of Thornbury people about the current conditions in the shopping centre. We can't say that the news on Aldi is good.

"It simply confirms that we'll be without a food store in the centre for some months and the new investment is still not guaranteed."