IT HAS been closed for months, but a refurbishment project to update a Tesco Express store was finally finished this week, as the new-look shop opened its doors to customers.

The shop, in Oakridge Road, Oakridge, closed in March for the refurbishment.

Tesco said it would be shut for “a few months” whilst the work was carried out. But, as reported in The Gazette, the community questioned whether the store was going to be shut for good after work came to a halt.

Ian Herd, store manager, was keen to ensure all 10 vacancies were filled by local people.

He said: “I was thrilled by the response we received to our recruitment drive. There were so many great applicants which made the decision very tough when it came to selecting the successful 10.”

Mr Herd, who has worked at Tesco for 27 years, celebrated the launch of the new store with his team by presenting a cheque of £500 to St Michael’s Hospice.

Mr Herd said: “We are delighted to be able to support St Michael’s Hospice, as they do such wonderful work for the community.”

The store will be open seven days a week from 6am until 11am.

The car park has been increased from four spaces to six.