Demolition work has started on a factory to make way for a supermarket chain.

The EMD factory, in Kings Road, Halstead, is being knocked down to make room for budget supermarket Lidl.

The former owner of the site, Scott Properties, was given permission to demolish the factory in 2012 before selling it to Lidl in April.

The new store, which will sell food and electrical items, will have a large car park and create 20 jobs when it opens.

The factory, called Electric Motor Developments, closed in 2009 due to falling sales forcing it to relocate, with most of the 80 workers losing their jobs.

Founded in 1958 to manufacture motors, it started producing gearboxes for battery-powered golf trolleys, buggies and wheelchairs in the 1970s.

Residents have spoken of their sadness of the factory going.

Sophie Hilda Rizzo Turkentine said: “I am sad to see it go as I have very fond memories of going in there as a child and waiting for my nan to finish work.

“She worked for many years there.

“I always remember walking through the door and there being loads of massive machines and a man shouting ‘Eve it's your granddaughter for you’, and she used to sneak me into the cloak room.”

Sarah Jane Wiffen added: “Yes it will be sad to see it go, as I had many family members work there.

“But at the same time it will be nice to see another supermarket.”