A supermarket giant has confirmed it will up sticks from a high street and move to the outskirts of town, creating more jobs as it goes.

Aldi, which has served Hythe from the prominent spot for 17 years, today confirmed it will relocate to the Kengate Industrial on Dymchurch Road, to open a “bigger and improved store”.

It comes after rumours swirled over the potential move last year, but the German budget food chain remained tight-lipped.

Leaflets being handed out in the store today say the new supermarket will span 1254 sq m, have bolstered car parking spaces, employ more staff and be a “high quality building”.

It says: “A spacious 1254 sq m store will replace the existing store, which is one of the smallest in Aldi’s portfolio.

“The existing store shares a 75 bay car park and is often at capacity, the new store will have a 114 bay dedicated car park.

“Existing Aldi jobs would be retained and new jobs would be created with a leading retailer.

“(It will have) an improved shopping environment with more space for customers and product display.”

The leaflet shows a CGI image of a glistening silver superstore poised behind a tree-lined street, car parking spaces in abundance.

But the announcement has been met with a mixed bag of reaction.

Residents both in favour and against the move have lit up Facebook forum the Hythe Residents Group.

While users applauded Aldi’s expansion others flagged up disabled and elderly access as a problem.

One user, who lives close to the site, vented her frustration over the potential traffic disruption and congestion.

Natalie Pickering, who lives a stone's throw from the industrial estate, said: "I'm not against Aldi moving and the store doing well, it's the traffic congestion I'm concerned about.

"This is going to make the area so busy, how are people going to get in and out of Hythe?"

Michelle Grant added: “It's great for the company but sadly for some older people or those with disabilities getting to the new store without reliable transport will be very difficult.”

A date for the move is yet to be confirmed.