Former Tesco's Store On St. Andrews Ridge
A North Swindon community is to benefit from a new convenience store 18 months after the previous shop closed.
Supermarket giant Tesco pulled the plug on its St Andrew's Ridge store in January last year, just 12 months after spending thousands of pounds on a major re-fit when it took over the unit from One Stop.
Tesco blamed the success of its larger Abbey Meads store on the closure, despite it being a 15-minute walk away.
And the St Andrew's Ridge store has remained empty ever since.
Rumours had been rife that Tesco were sitting on the lease of the store rather than allowing the store to be taken on by a competitor.
But Coun Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads) said he has received confirmation that a new convenience store is set to open in Tesco's place.
"I am absolutely delighted there is going to be a new store," he said.
"I have worked with local residents, in particular the landlady of the Jovial Monk, as this is a vital local amenity for the residents of St Andrew's Ridge."
The Adver understands that a deal to take over the premises is in the hands of solicitors, but that the unit will be run as a convenience retail outlet.
However, Tesco have declined to reveal who is taking over the lease on the property until the deal is finalised.
But Oliver Clearly, landlord of the Jovial Monk in Highdown Way, St Andrew's Ridge, said that both residents and businesses in the area would welcome the re-opening of the shop.
"Even for my wife Sheila and I, the shop was convenient if we ran short of anything," said Mr Cleary.
"Now we are popping three quarters of a mile down the road to Asda if we need anything, so it is really good news that the shop will be re-opening.
"I hope whoever takes over makes a success of it and they will certainly get my business.
"Business brings business and I would say that my takings are down £8,000 a year since the shop closed because if people pop into the shop they might decide to drop in here for a pint or something to eat. If the main shop is not there, people don't have a reason to visit the village centre."