FINAL preparations are being put in place for the opening of a new supermarket – with business chiefs urging shoppers to make the most of the opportunities it will bring.

The Tesco store in Church Street, Saxmundham, is due to open in less than a fortnight.

Manager Dave Waldron received the keys from site manager Sam Braundt, of R G Carter Projects. Mr Waldron said: “It is great to know that soon we will be greeting our first customers.

“We are really looking forward to hearing what they think of the new store.”

Tesco is holding an opening ceremony for local residents at 10am on Monday, May 21, which will include a �1,000 community donation.

The store, which will generate 109 full and part time jobs, will also have a community champion. Annette Raymond will work with groups to find fundraising opportunities in addition to managing community events.

Bob Foyers, chairman of Businesses of Saxmudham, who also runs The Bistro at the Deli, urged shoppers not to miss out on what the High Street has to offer. “We are very happy with the free parking that Tesco and now Waitrose are offering,” he said.

“I think the majority of us are pretty optimistic. Just because we have the big boys here doesn’t mean we have to be negative. We are hoping there will be benefits. It will encourage more people to visit and I think we just have to make the most of the opportunity.

“I would urge people not to miss out on the other shops the town has to offer. There are plenty of unique stores – the haberdashery and cobbler are prime examples of that.”