German supermarket chain Lidl has announced it is looking to double its total number of UK stores, including eight new sites in Richmond Borough.

The chain, whose Head Office is down the road in Wimbledon, is interested in opening 99 more stores in South London alone and is on the hunt for suitable spaces.

In Richmond, it is searching for space in Richmond Town Centre, Barnes, East Sheen/Mortlake, North Sheen/Kew, Ham/Kingston - North, Twickenham, Teddington, and Hampton/Hampton Hill.

It has produced a brochure detailing requirements for new stores, which within the M25 include at least 0.8 acres for standalone stores, and close proximity to

key public transport links. Outside of London it requires 1.5 acres.

On its website's property page Lidl wrote: "We want to double our portfolio. To continue our phenomenal growth we require further sites across the country.

"These pages highlight locations that particularly interest us. We will however consider opportunities in addition to those areas listed."

The supermarket has said it would ideally like locations in or out of town, with good traffic flow and pedestrian access.

It is seeking freehold, leasehold or long leasehold sites and is open to converting existing buildings into Lidl supermarkets.

Recent plans for a Tesco in Twickenham caused outrage among local residents, who were keen to champion smaller independent businesses.

What do you think? Would you like to see more LIDL stores close to where you live?

We'd love to hear from our readers.

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