WORK is underway on the site of a new supermarket directly opposite a rival retailer's store.

Aldi is opening a shop in Caird Avenue, New Milton, opposite the established Tesco.

It is hoped the new store will open later this year.

The discount retailer had its initial plans for the site refused by New Forest District Council, however, councillors went against officers and gave a second proposal the green light in January last year.

The store will be located on a site known as Solent Industrial Estate, next to the large New Milton Sand and Ballast facility.

A row of trees along Caird Avenue have been chopped down and contractors are progressing with the work on building the 1,862sqm store.

An Aldi spokesperson said: “Construction for our New Milton store is underway, and we plan to open the store towards the end of the year.

"This will create up to 40 jobs for the community and enable local people to shop and save closer to home.”