Budget supermarket Aldi has addressed rumours that it is having second thoughts about opening a new store in Angus.
It has assured people in Montrose that work is still progressing to bring an outlet to the town.
The site at Basin View was purchased by Aldi from the Co-Operative earlier this year.
The prominent white Co-Op building also contained clothing shop Peacock’s. Both shops closed around seven weeks ago, with the loss of more than 30 jobs.
Aldi intends to demolish the existing building and replace it with a new shop and preliminary work is under way.
Asbestos has been found in the old building but this was factored into the proposed demolition process.
The chain is currently seeking advice from specialist consultants about the correct procedures to remove the asbestos.
Plans will be submitted to Angus Council before work to demolish the old building can take place.
Robert Stoddart, property director for Aldi Stores in Scotland, said: “I am happy to confirm we will be lodging plans in due course and at that stage we will be announcing further details of the new store.
“We look forward to bringing the Aldi brand to Montrose shoppers.”
Rumours have been circulating in the town that Aldi had intended to pull out of the town as a result of the asbestos being found.
Montrose councillor David May welcomed the statement from Aldi restating that it was still working on opening the new supermarket and added that people were looking forward to increased competition in the town.
“It is great news for the town and especially to shoppers that Aldi are still coming to Montrose,” he said.
“There had been an expectation that the demolition of the Co-Op building would at least have started by now.
“Inevitably there have been many rumours about this so the news will be welcomed.
“Shoppers in the town and local area have indicated to me that they wanted more competition for what was already in existence as they would provide more choice and help to bring prices down,” he said.
“Once Aldi is built this will provide more jobs for the town.”