THE LONG-AWAITED new Aldi store in Whitchurch has finally opened its doors to customers in the area.

The store's opening – delayed because of Aldi's decision to re-direct resources to existing stored because of the coronavirus pandemic – took place on Thursday morning at 8am as store boss Hayley Rogerson

Standing at 1,254 sqm of retail space, the store in Wrexham Road, is the new Aldi in the area, and will be run by Hayley, along with a team of 34 colleagues from the community.

She admitted that it was a delight to finally welcome customers into the store, after having to cancel April's ribbon cut with Olympic Gold medal-winning cyclist Jo Rowsell.

She said: “It was lovely to welcome customers into Aldi Whitchurch this morning.

“The new store opened with social distancing guidelines in place to ensure the health and safety of our customers and colleagues.

"We would like to thank customers for their patience, support and for adhering to these safety measures.”

The store comes after years of controversy around the planning application submitted to Shropshire Council by Aldi, with permission only given after an appeal by the low-budget supermarket giants.

While the store's arrival into Whitchurch had support from residents, many – including Whitchurch Town Council – have objected to Aldi's location on the A41 Wrexham Road roundabout, felling it should have been closer to the town centre and not take potential business away from independent retailers.

The new store will be open from Monday-Saturday from 8am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-4pm.