LIDL representatives will be asked to attend a West Dunbartonshire Council meeting to answer questions about their proposals for Mitchell Way in Alexandria.

The organisation intends to demolish the old building to make way for their 25,000 square ft food store with 134 car parking spaces. They also plan to develop one- and two-bedroom properties to lease to the local housing association.

The issue was discussed at last week’s infrastructure, regeneration and economic development (IRED) committee. SNP councillor Caroline McAllister presented a motion asking Lidl to be present at the next meeting.

It read: “The committee agrees that a report should come back to the next IRED committee detailing the up to date plan for the site.

“The report should also include feedback from the Vale of Leven Town Centre Forum for members consideration.

“Officers should extend an invitation to Lidl to attend the next IRED committee to talk about their updated plans.”

She explained: “The aim is to get more detail from Lidl as it is very difficult to scrutinise what’s on the table at the moment as there are no detailed plans.

“It would be good to have the opportunity to question Lidl about the plans because there are concerns on where the supermarket is to be.

“If it is possible for Lidl to have a representative there then members could ask questions and share their concerns. I am also happy to extend an invitation to the Vale of Leven Trust and the Town Centre Forum.”

Jim McAloon, strategic lead, regeneration also explained that officers have been trying to conclude the deal with Lidl since 2018.

Mr McAloon added: “There has always been ambition to try and get something on this site. We are at the stage now where we believe the offer that we have is as good as it’s going to be.

“This is a complex deal which has taken a long time, but it is there for member’s consideration. It has always been the ambition that we offer some competition in the area and bring in a tenant that may attract others to the area.

“We do have other retailers interested in this site now, but I was instructed in 2018 to come up with the best commercial deal and that’s what we’ve done today.”