As Horncastle grabs headlines with its ongoing tug-of-war between Aldi and Lidl, those of us in Spilsby are left wondering: what about us?
Yes, we’re fortunate to have two small supermarkets—Sainsbury’s and Lincolnshire Co-op—serving the town. They’re convenient and familiar. But let’s be honest: they don’t go far enough. For a town the size of Spilsby, with a large rural catchment area and limited public transport links, we need more than just the basics. We need proper choice—and more affordable options.
Anyone who’s visited an Aldi or Lidl elsewhere will know the difference they make. Fresh produce, everyday essentials, and household items at consistently lower prices. For families trying to make the weekly shop stretch further, or older residents on fixed incomes, that kind of pricing isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
But getting to an Aldi or Lidl from Spilsby isn’t easy. Without a car, it means relying on infrequent buses or asking for lifts—hardly ideal, especially for those juggling work, caring responsibilities, or health concerns. And even for those who do drive, having to travel to Skegness, Horncastle, or Louth just to access affordable food adds extra cost and time.
This isn’t just about shopping. It’s about fairness. Rural communities like ours often get overlooked when it comes to investment. Big chains focus on larger towns, while smaller places are expected to just ‘make do.’ But why should we?
The arrival of a discount supermarket wouldn’t just be a win for shoppers—it would put money back in people’s pockets, create local jobs, and show that Spilsby is a town worth investing in. It could also help keep more spending local rather than leaking out to bigger towns each week.
Some might worry it would harm local businesses. However, the truth is that budget supermarkets and independent shops can coexist—serving different needs. Many towns have shown it’s possible. The real harm comes when residents feel forced to leave town altogether just to afford their weekly shop.
So while Horncastle debates which discounter gets the go-ahead, let’s start asking a different question here: why isn’t Spilsby even in the conversation? Why are we still waiting, watching, and hoping from the sidelines?
If we want our town to thrive—not just survive—we need better access, better options, and a fairer deal. Aldi and Lidl would be more than welcome here. The only shame is, so far, no one’s knocking on our door.