Budget supermarket chain Lidl has confirmed it is looking to open a Kent town's second store.

The bargain food giant says "active" searches for a new location in Ashford are ongoing.

But many shoppers believe the firm's current town centre store in New Street should instead be replaced.

They believe the "old and tired" supermarket is in desperate need of an upgrade.

Customer Bernadette Staiano said: "I wouldn't be so keen on them moving because this is just right for me because I live just down the road.

"I think it would be better to upgrade this one - it's a great store and I get most of what I want here."

Rose Cossey, 59, who lives in Mersham, visited the store for the first time in months as a change to her usual Aldi shop.

She described it as "a little bit tired", adding: "It could do with a refresh but it's definitely cheaper than Tesco and Sainsbury's.

"I think a new store could be a good idea. Maybe they could close this one and modernise it a bit."

Thomas Metcalfe, from Sandway near Lenham, visits the supermarket at least once a week to see what tools they have on offer.

He feels a new store would be good, but only if parking is right.

"It would be nice if we didn't have to use a machine for the car park - I don't like that, that's the only thing," the 82-year-old said.

Kennington resident Peter Wilson, 83, says another store is not needed close to the current site.

"We probably don't need it at this end of town - south Ashford would be better," he said.

"I think this store is fit for purpose, but it could be bigger."

The size of the store is something Bethersden resident Graham Lusted agreed could be improved, saying: "It has narrow aisles so if a bigger store means more produce and better access, then that would be better.

"It can be difficult to get a trolley around there."

A spokesman from Lidl says there are "no current plans for the existing store", but added: "Ashford features on our site requirements list and our teams are actively looking for suitable locations in the area for a new store to support growing demand."

Lidl is offering a 'finder’s fees' reward to anyone who helps identify a suitable location, as it works towards having 1,100 stores by 2025.

The fee is either 1.5% of the total freehold purchase price or 10% of first year’s rent for leaseholds.

Anyone who knows of potential sites is encouraged to contact the supermarket’s property team with more details.

Aldi is also looking to build more stores in Ashford.

Plans have been submitted for a store along the A28 Canterbury Road in Kennington although this has split opinion among residents.

The supermarket giant also wants to build another store at Waterbrook Park, near the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, off the A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road.

If both are approved, it will take the total number of Aldi stores in Ashford to three.