A HEREFORD resident has spoken out in support of plans to demolish Hereford's Three Counties Hotel and replace it with a Lidl - the first one to do so.

Objections have been flooding in for Lidl's planning application to demolish the Belmont Road hotel, a total of 36 so far.

Only one letter of support has been sent to Herefordshire Council though, by a resident living more than two miles away on the College Estate.

Some residents have called the plans "stupid" and "ridiculous", while others had fears for children's safety if the development goes ahead.

Plans submitted by Lidl suggest around 2,500 cars a day could visit the site, where the budget supermarket chain has also asked Herefordshire Council for outline permission for a drive-thru coffee unit.

But Keith Bond, of Alexandra Avenue in Hereford, said in his letter of support: "This is a much-needed addition to the city and will massively benefit the community.

"Giving more affordable food choices for those south of the river and allowing more of a range of choice."

But some of the letters of objection raise other fears.

Alice Roat, of Little Dewchurch, fears for the children living in the area if the plans go ahead and the traffic increases.

“McDonald’s already caused massive traffic issues with people queuing to get in and out, and it is only a matter of time before there is another accident on this road, adding another drive-thru and supermarket will only add to this risk,” she said.

“My fear it is only a matter of time before someone is knocked down and killed along this stretch of road, possibly a child.

“I do believe passing this planning application will be yet another blow to our wonderful city, it’s ludicrous.”

Another resident living in Belmont, Marie Lewis, said she is worried about the number of lorries bringing goods to the supermarket and how much traffic congestion this could lead to.

She also worried about how it might affect the independent shops in the city.

“Our shops will also suffer,” she said.

Others people opposed to the plans raised concerns about how there would not be a hotel in south Hereford if the Three Counties was to be demolished.

Consultation is still open and planners will make a decision after that.