GERMAN supermarket chain Lidl will be taking over the Somerfield store in Kingshill, Dursley.

Somerfield has said the store will close on Saturday, June 13 and all staff will transfer to the new owners.

It comes after Somerfield was taken over by the Co-operative Group in a deal worth a reported £1.1 billion last July.

At the time of the deal, Paul Mason, Somerfield chief executive, said he believed the takeover would allow "the business to be transformed in a way that just couldn’t have happened in the public markets".

The Somerfield store in Parsonage Street, Dursley, will become a Co-op but the larger Kingshill outlet will have new owners.

A Lidl spokesman said the store would be open for business by late summer 2009 following a store improvement programme.

He said: "The store will employ approximately 20-35 people from the local community. The store will have a positive effect on Dursley.

"As a Limited Assortment Discounter, Lidl will bring a welcomed new offering and shopping alternative to the local community. The Lidl store will encourage healthy competition and increase customers' choice.

"The Lidl store will bring the low prices and premium quality offering, which will attract more people to Dursley, thus enhancing the vitality of the town."

A Somerfield spokeswoman said: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank our store colleagues and local customers in Dursley for their loyalty over the years."

JAMES DAVIES spoke to shoppers at Somerfield to find out their views on the change in ownership of the store.

Jenny McKenzie, 23, Dursley, hairdresser: "I’m not keen on Lidl. I think Somerfield has done well in this area and I like the products they sell. It’s a shame because I’m not too keen on the food Lidl sell."

Claire Herbert, 41, Dursley, student: "I think it’s a shame it’s not turning into a Co-op like all the other Somerfield stores. I don’t mind it changing to Lidl but I really would have preferred something else."

Mrs J.W.T. Team, 80, Dursley, retired: "It’s absolutely fantastic news. I have shopped with Lidl for years."

Wayne Davies, 22, Dursley, builder: "At the end of the day it’s a nice supermarket as it is but cheaper food would be a great thing for everyone. Most people like Lidl but have to travel to Gloucester to shop there. As there aren’t many Lidl stores around I definitely think it’s a good thing having one on our door step. As well as being good value they sell quality products." Jacqueline Strange, Dursley, retired: "Personally I’m sorry as Somerfield is a very ethical company. I know lots of people who would have liked a Co-op. I can understand why people will be pleased to have a supermarket like Lidl where you can buy cheaper food, because we already have a Sainbury’s and a Tesco."