But at one branch of Aldi a different kind of thoroughfare has been causing a stir.

Locals are locked in a row with the Larkman Lane store, in Norwich, after it closed a footpath they have been using for years.

David Best, a retired pub landlord is spearheading a campaign against the store after it fenced off the path which connects Clarkson Road with Dereham Road.

The 75-year-old, who has lived in Motum Road since 1983, claims the footpath has been a public right of way for decades.

Aldi has closed the path (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Best and others who live in the area say the closure of the cut through makes it more difficult and dangerous for elderly people who live on the road to access other shops nearby.

Mr Best is campaigning to get the path reopened (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Best said: “We are locked in a row we can’t win.

“They are happy for people to use the shop but they are stopping people from getting to the other shops.

“They said they closed it because of antisocial behaviour."

A spokeswoman for Aldi has said the path was closed "in the interest of safety".

Mr Best added: "They’ve been looking for an excuse to close it for ages."

Roy Mason, 76, who is a friend of Mr Best said: “I struggle if I’ve got shopping to walk all the way around and it’s dangerous walking through the car park."

Ellen Page, 53, who also lives on Clarkson Road said: “A lot of people aren’t happy about the path closing.

"Especially old people who need to get to the chemist and people with kids who don’t want to walk through a busy car park.

Ellen Page who lives on Clarkson Road (Image: Newsquest)

Sarah Gee, 39, a stay at home mum who lives on Clarkson Road, said: "It’s so much more dangerous for kids going to the shops.

“My kids now have to walk through the car park and people drive like idiots."

The Aldi on Larkman Lane (Image: Newsquest)

But Rimante Majauskaite, 38, who lives nearby, said: “You can use the other path. I think it quite safe.

Rimante Majauskaite who lives nearby (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s not a problem."

Norfolk County Council have been contacted for comment on whether the path is a public right of way.

© Eastern Daily Press