Aldi has revealed it wants to build new stores in south Essex as it is set to invest more than £400million in store development over the coming year.

The supermarket giant is targeting new and refurbished stores across the UK, including in south Essex.

The firm currently has more than 990 stores but has emphasised it is committed to continuing towards its current target of 1,200 stores across the UK to reach more shoppers.

Last month Aldi revealed it is on the lookout for freehold town-centre or edge-of-town sites which are around 1.5 acres and can accommodate a 20,000sq foot store with about 100 parking spaces.

Ideally, each location would be near a main road with good visibility and access, with Rayleigh and Basildon among its priority locations.

Aldi has also highlighted Brentwood as a priority location.

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This comes as major work is ongoing at the Wickford Aldi store in an 8-month-long refurbishment.

The store in The Broadway will re-open on November 30 offering an "improved shopping experience".

The Aldi will be larger with a "refreshed layout and enhanced customer facilities".