Central England Co-op has officially opened its new store in Grendon creating 12 new jobs and investing over £580,000 in the local community.

The Society today officially opened its new store powered by 100% renewable energy just off the A5, Watling Street, offering the local community food and essentials on their doorstep.

The store is on the site of the former Boot Inn public house in the village and includes self-scan till points, a bicycle repair station, customer car park, a full range of products, free hot and cold water refill station, phone charging area and a customer toilet with baby changing facilities.

A food bank collection point has also been installed to support the great work of Ediblelinks Food Bank as it continues to manage the increased demand caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.

To mark the launch, Store Manager Lee Mullis made a special donation of essential food and essentials to the food bank as the retailer's Christmas Food Bank Appeal continues to help support people in need this festive period.

Gavin Hodges, from Ediblelinks Atherstone, said "Ediblelinks are delighted to be the beneficiary of the collection point at the new Grendon store.

"This will improve food access for people facing financial insecurity in North Warwickshire. We thank all customers in advance of their donations, particularly at this very difficult time for everyone."

Lee said the store team were looking forward to being part of the local community and to working with Ediblelinks to support people struggling from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

He said "It is great to finally open our doors to the local community as the team have been desperate to support our neighbours and ensure they can access food and essentials during the pandemic.

"All of us here at the new store are proud to be part of such a great community in Grendon so we are delighted to be able to support Ediblelinks Food Bank which is offering a lifeline to vulnerable residents and people struggling in these testing times.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank local residents for their patience. It has been long-awaited, but hopefully everyone will enjoy the store as much as we do."

In line with the latest Government guidance, the store has a range of social distancing measures in place, including special floor markings, one-way system, external queuing, hygiene measures such as a hand sanitising station upon entry and safety devices such as plastic screens at checkouts and face coverings and visors for all colleagues.

The Watling Street Co-operative food store is open from 7am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday.

The store offers a wide range of products from everyday necessities to something a little more special.

It also offers Lottery, Paypoint and foreign currency, as well as a Costa Coffee machine, customer seating inside and out, a free cash machine and a defibrillator.

As part of the development, a number of small offices have been created suitable for those needing a work base closer to home in these uncertain times.

Anyone interested can contact F. Espleys & Sons for more information by telephoning 07736 080801.