Work on the new Aldi store in Tranent is set to begin next week.

A spokesperson for Aldi Stores told the Courier that building work would soon begin, with the store due to open in October/November.

He said: “I can confirm Aldi will start work on site on Monday, April 6, with the store due to be completed later this year following a six to seven-month build programme.

“An opening date will not be set until later in the construction programme.” A presentation was previously made to members of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council over the proposed Aldi store, on the site of the former Tranmare Hotel.

Community councillors were told the aim was to have the store open by Christmas and that is still the proposed timescale.

That was to the delight of Colin Martin, Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council chairman.

He told the Courier: “It’s really good news for the people of Tranent and the surrounding area.

“If they can get it open before Christmas 2015 then it would be great.” When completed, the store will be Aldi’s fourth in the county, following ones already built in Haddington and Musselburgh, with a third opening in North Berwick this year.

But the Tranent store will be the largest of them and among the biggest in Scotland.

The Tranmare closed in 2011 after a fire ripped through the building and it lay derelict until it was demolished a year later – the site has been derelict ever since.The announcement of Aldi’s latest plans comes just weeks after fellow supermarket chain Asda began its mvoe into the former Co-op store, also on Haddington Road.

They plan to open in the summer, following a lengthy refurbishment.