Aldi has vowed to keep pushing for a new supermarket in Macduff.
The German retailer recently saw its hopes for a shop at Duff Street shot to pieces by Tesco lawyers.
The UK retail kingpin took Aberdeenshire Council to court for approving the plans, with a judge quashing the permission granted.
Since we broke the news earlier this week, hundreds of locals have reacted with dismay – with some even threatening a boycott of Tesco in revenge.
Aldi says new store could still become a reality
The £3.3 million shop would have created 35 jobs, and locals argued it was badly needed during the cost-of-living crisis.
On Monday, Aldi told us it was “reviewing the decision” after being left “extremely disappointed” by the legal blow.
But now a spokesman has confirmed that the chain is “fully committed” to bringing its range of bargain buys to the town.
He said: “’We remain fully committed to opening a new store in Macduff and will provide an update on our future plans shortly.”
That could mean a second planning application is submitted, with officials this time making sure the process is watertight.
Public meeting planned as Aldi hopes remain alive in Macduff
The glimmer of hope comes at a time when Macduff residents are preparing to pack into a public meeting on Monday night.
Banff and Macduff Community Council will gather for their regular monthly session at Macduff Sports Centre – where it may be busier than usual.
Scores of people have already indicated they wish to attend, to demonstrate the strength of feeling in the region.
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Public want answers
Ray Stephen, whose petition has now amassed more than 2,000 backers, has been encouraging locals to turn up to make their thoughts known.
Ray is hopeful that councillors and local authority officials might be able to shed more light on the legal situation that brought the plans to a halt.
He has asked that people remember to be polite at all times.
Tesco, which has a nearby Banff branch, maintains it fought the new Aldi over legitimate planning concerns.
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