Tesco to open new Shrewsbury store . . . 200 yards away

A new Tesco store is to open later this month in Shrewsbury, it was revealed today. It will replace another Tesco store just 200 yards away in Ditherington Road.

The current Tesco Express store will be shutting its doors after 45 years to be replaced by the new store on the site of the former Six Bells pub, a little further along the same street.

About 15 workers from the current shop will retain their jobs and move across to the new store when it officially opens as part of the change.

Store manager George Groves said: "I am really excited to begin working in the new Shrewsbury Express store. We are delighted to be opening soon and look forward to continuing our role in the local community.

"We are all incredibly happy that we are able to be a part of a new shopping experience for our regulars and look forward to seeing them in store."

Councillor Alan Mosley, who represents Castlefields and Ditherington, said he was not surprised by the closure announcement after planning permission was granted for the new Tesco shop last year.

But he added he hoped new occupiers could soon be found for the closing store, saying: "This is a blow for the precinct in Ditherington. I just hope the landlords are working hard to find another tenant to take over.

"Otherwise, it will seriously undermine the viability of the precinct as a whole. I have been working with officers for some time to deliver plans to greatly improve the street scene and the environment of the precinct and we must bring these forward."

A Tesco spokesman said today that there was not yet an official date for the opening of the new store and the closure of the old one. The official said the new store should be easier to access, with improved parking.

Store opening hours will be seven days a week, from 6am until 11pm, and there will be a free-to-use cashpoint machine.