SUPERMARKET giant Lidl has expressed interest in opening a store in Galashiels.

Last month an application was submitted to Scottish Borders Council to allow the sale of food goods at units currently occupied by Carpetright and Currys at Comley Bank Mill Retail Park.

And Nectar Asset Management, which put in the plans, says there has been interest from the German discount chain to take over one of the buildings.

The application states: "This condition variation is sought due to current market uncertainty and to provide greater flexibility should one or both of the units become vacant in the short to medium term. 

"Carpetright announced their CVA (Company Voluntary Arrangement) in 2018 and the unit was put on the market via [real estate company] Colliers in May 2018. 

"No enquiries were received whatsoever except for from Lidl in December. 

"As a result there is a high risk that this unit and potentially the entire park could be become vacant in 2021 when all three leases expire unless the consent is widened. 

"It is therefore anticipated that the units could be combined and occupied by Lidl who are a deep-discount food store operator and have shown interest in the premises."

Lidl currently has two stores in the Borders, in Kelso and in Hawick.