A SUPERMARKET chain is looking to set up more stores in Cheshire, as part of its latest expansion drive throughout the UK.

Aldi has announced its intentions to open a branch in either Wilmslow or Handforth, both currently without one.

The closest store is more than four miles away in London Road South, Poynton, with a second nearby in Altrincham Road, Sharston.

In a statement, Aldi, the UK's fifth largest supermarket, says it is looking to open 16 new stores in Cheshire in total.

The store chain has been opening around one new store a week in the across the country, totalling more than 900.

Aldi confirmed it was looking for freehold town-centre or edge-of-centre sites suitable for development.

It said each site should be around 1.5 acres and able to accommodate a 20,000 sq ft store with around 100 parking spaces, ideally on a prominent main road and with good visibility and access.

Ciaran Aldridge, the national property director at Aldi UK, said: “We have been investing in Britain for more than 30 years now.

"But we know that there are still areas that either do not have an Aldi at all, or that need another store to meet customer demand.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking to get unbeatable prices on their weekly shop without compromising on quality.

"That’s why, more so than ever, we’re keen to explore all opportunities to open new stores across the country.”

Other sites Aldi has earmarked for a potential new store include Macclesfield, Lymm, Warrington and Grappenhall.