Romsey shoppers have been dealt a severe pre-Christmas blow after Aldi announced its new town store would not now open until February.

Traders had hoped the German retail giant's would open in the run-up to the festive season - helping to bring in more shoppers and boost takings.

But in a shock announcement, Aldi said there has been unexpected problems with converting the old Waitrose building the company's bought in The Hundred.

However, on a more upbeat note the 60-space car park at the rear of Aldi's new premises will be open from Monday, December 20th in time for the Christmas rush.

Richard Williams, Property Director, Aldi, said: "We apologise for the delay in the opening of the new Aldi store. This has arisen for reasons outside of our control.

We are committed to providing Romsey shoppers with a store and shopping environment that they will enjoy and, for their convenience and in the interests of local traders, we have unusually taken the decision to open the car park before the store."

Aldi has re-worked its building schedule to make sure the new-look car park will be open before Christmas. But for safety reasons some car parking spaces will remain cordoned-off while workmen carry out alterations to the building itself.

Aldi anticipates the car park will be open for a minimum of two weeks around Christmas but the company has stressed that it will be necessary to close it again for a short period before the store opens in order to complete refurbishment of the car park itself.

Alterations to the purpose-built new Aldi store and adjoining first floor offices and the new shop units facing onto The Hundred will continue while the car park is open. About 50 new jobs will be created when the whole project is completed.

Refurbishment work includes levelling the building's sloping ground floor and putting in windows along the side of the store and building a covered canopy for trolley storage. Facilities will also be provided for customers with bicycles.

When Aldi's Romsey's store opens in early February it will offer shoppers the full range of the company's award winning food and wines, as well as weekly bargain buys. This includes fashionwear, electrical good and homewares.