Get your countdown clock at the ready — there’s not much longer to wait until Dartford adds Lidl to its growing line-up of supermarkets.

Years after the German discounter expressed an interest in moving in, a store will open in Instone Road on the site of the town’s old police station in early December, with an opening date pencilled in for either Wednesday the 7th or Wednesday 14th.

It is just a 15-minute walk away from rival supermarket Aldi, which has been a big success since opening in the Orchards Shopping Centre in July 2015.

With not long to go until the opening, planners have been working to finalise a few key details of how the store will operate, including the promise of a 24-hour car park with 81 spaces.

Visitors will be entitled to 90 minutes of free parking before a charge of £45 is enforced, which will rise to £90 if not paid within two weeks.

There will be a 10-minute grace period for shoppers, who can also supply proof of shopping for the chance of a greater free parking period upon appeal.

Blue badge holders are also entitled to a longer stay and can apply for the right to park for an unlimited time.

Number plate recognition cameras will be installed to enforce the parking rules, which Lidl hopes will also deter fly-tipping and other criminal activity on the site.

Contractor Athena is the management firm for Lidl stores across the UK and will also manage the car park in Dartford.

In addition to the supermarket itself, Lidl’s plans also feature six apartments — four with two bedrooms and two with three bedrooms — and nine parking spaces for those residents.

Vehicle access to the residential units will be provided by Spring Vale.

Just a short drive away in Crayford, locals are looking forward to welcoming a new Aldi supermarket next week.

Although the town is still feeling the effects of last week’s flooding, the highly anticipated store on Crayford Island is set to open on Thursday, October 27, offering competition to the popular nearby Sainsbury’s.

Britain’s biggest toy retailer is also coming to town, with Smyths opening in Tower Retail Park on November 5.