A new neighbourhood supermarket store that drew bitter opposition from shop owners and residents opens on Friday.
The Tesco Express store at The Glebe shopping centre in Stevenage will begin trading after a refit of the former Chells Family Pub.
The decision by the supermarket chain to move into the building was opposed by campaigners who argued the store will drastically reduce trade at other shops at The Glebe threatening businesses, and remove a valued pub from the neighbourhood.
The store, which will be open from 6am to 11pm seven days a week, will be officially opened by Barbara Howard, project director of homeless charity Stevenage Haven, who will cut a ceremonial ribbon at 10.30am. Tesco will donate �500 to the charity.
Store manager Akville Milkeviciute said: “My team and I are looking forward to welcoming our customers into the new store and we hope that Tesco will become a key part of the local community.”
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