RESIDENTS in a Suffolk town have welcomed news that work on a new supermarket will begin in the next two months.

Laurence Cawley

RESIDENTS in a Suffolk town have welcomed news that work on a new supermarket will begin in the next two months.

Asda won permission for a new store in Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, in November last year following a concerted campaign by those living in the area.

The retail giant wants to build a 36,000 sq ft store on the former Co-op site. Once built, the new supermarket will stock a range of items including foodstuffs, clothing and entertainment items.

Last night Asda revealed it would start work on site in September and open the new supermarket next spring.

The development will include 435 parking bays, covered cycle stands and road improvements.

Under the planning agreement struck with St Edmundsbury Borough Council, ASDA will also invest in public transport schemes in the area.

Tom McGarry, Asda property communications manager, said: “This has been a long process but the support we have received from local people has been outstanding. We are now on the way to delivering the supermarket that people, particularly on the west side of the town, have been campaigning for. We cannot wait to bring Asda to Bury St Edmunds.”

Ernie Bloom, a resident of St Olaves Road and the chairman of the Bury St Edmunds Over 60s Club, which led the campaign for the new store, said: “This is going to make a really positive difference to our community and will tidy up a site which is currently an eyesore.

“The employment prospects will be a massive boost to people on this side of town. It is fantastic news that work will soon start on the new supermarket.”