EMMERDALE star Jeff Hordley was in Suffolk this weekend to mark the opening of a town centre store which will see 30 new jobs created.

Poundland has now opened its store in the former Woolworths building in the heart of Bury St Edmunds.

When plans for the discount chain were first mooted a few months ago some in the town voiced concerns about its impact on the Cornhill area area.

Others, however, welcomed the move which has seen 30 new jobs created.

Poundland has almost 300 stores nationally and all items inside have the same price - �1.

This weekend, Emmerdale star Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain Dingle in the soap, was there to mark the launch of the shop and to sign autographs.

He then gave out �1 vouchers which shoppers could use to buy items in store from mascara to two litres of milk.

Poundland trading director David Coxon said: “We are delighted to bring our unique proposition to Bury.

“Poundland offers exceptional value on top branded products to over 3 million customers every week .

“The �1 price hasn’t changed since we opened our first store 20 years ago.

“Our current customers love us and we are sure the Bury shoppers will too.”

Speaking before the opening of the new store, Mike Ames, chairman of Bury In Bloom, said he was concerned about Poundland coming to town, likening the shopping chain to a sea-side retailer.

“I see Poundland as a seaside resort promenade shop more than an historic store in Bury town centre,” he said. “We have already got a discount store down there. It’s beginning to get a bit tacky.”

Resident Simon Harding echoed Mr Ames’ concerns saying the could lead to the Cornhill area going “down market”.

But Alan Jary, vice chairman of the Bury Society, said it would be good to see the store open once again.

“I am delighted a national chain has seen fit to come into the town centre,” he said.

“It is good someone has got confidence in trade in the town.”

Tesco is planning to share the former Woolworths store, which has been vacant since January 2009, with Poundland.