Sainsbury's finally opens new store in Bishop's Waltham after years of wrangling

Sainsbury’s Local opened in the former Budgen’s store in Winchester Road, Bishop’s Waltham at 9am.

The store opening attracted a handful of curious customers, keen to see the improvements to the store.

First in line was Shirley Cawnter, who lives next door.

Shirley, 71, said: ‘I am very happy about it, I have wanted Sainsbury’s to come here since they wanted to come before.

‘When I heard they would be coming, I was dancing around my living room. It is very exciting. I prefer Sainsbury’s over all of the other supermarkets.’

Shirley was rewarded for her enthusiasm with a free bottle of wine.

Second in the queue was 21-year-old Emily Davey, from Swanmore.

She said: ‘We have been excited ever since we heard rumblings that a Sainsbury’s could be built here. It is so handy and bigger than the nearby Co-op. It is great to have it so close by.’

Sainsbury’s initially wanted to build a superstore on land at the nearby Abbey Mill in 2015 – however this caused huge debate in the town, with many both for and against.

Eventually, after years of argument that even saw Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden get involved against the store as she grew up nearby, the plans were scrapped – and that site is currently back on the market.

Earlier this year, Budgens announced that it would be leaving the town – and Sainsbury’s snapped up the premises, spending nine weeks transforming it into a Sainsbury’s Local.

Store manager Donna Everton said she was delighted to see how the store was looking.

SEE ALSO: Hoxton Bakehouse opens in Bishop's Waltham - bringing sourdough bread, cinnamon buns and free coffee to the town

She said: ‘It’s brilliant. We can’t wait to live our values with the neighbourhood in Bishop’s Waltham, we look forward to having a long and prosperous relationship with them. We are here to serve our customers.’

Also watching the ribbon being cut were some of the 30 workmen who have been carrying out the refurbishment.

Scott Johnston, from Williams Southern Ltd, said: ‘It has been great to work in Bishop’s Waltham. The guys have been staying locally and it is a really nice area, we are pleased with how the store is looking.’

All existing staff members from Budgen’s have transferred across to the new business, which employs 35 people.

It is one of only three Neighbourhood Hub stores in the country, which means that as well as being twice the size of a normal Sainsbury’s Local, it will be operating a click and collect service for its full range, as well as for products from its sister store Argos.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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