‘Delight’ at finally opening new store

PORTISHEAD’s long-awaited new Sainsbury’s supermarket has opened its doors to customers, much to the delight of many shoppers.

Crowds of people turned up to the official opening of the Serbert Way store on October 29 when the ribbon was cut by manager Paul Morrison.

Stormy Stan, the mascot for Portishead’s lifeboat, was also at the event representing the voluntary organisation which has been named the store’s charity of the year.

St Joseph’s Primary School pupil, William Finch, was invited to take part after his design was chosen to feature on shopping bags at the store as part of its bag for life drawing competition and music was provided for the occasion by North Somerset for Young Musicians.

The opening of Sainsbury’s marked the end of the lengthy project to plan and build the £15million development.

Store manager Paul Morrisonsaid: “We are delighted to be finally open, the feedback has been excellent and it’s been great welcoming the community to the store.

“The bakery and clothing have both gone down particularly well as have the new car park lines that are designed to make parking easier.

“Thanks to everyone who has visited so far, I hope you like the store.”

About 270 full and part-time jobs have been created at the shop.

While the store has been under construction, teams of Sainsbury’s staff have been getting involved in community events and initiatives including the annual raft race, speaking to pupils at Gordano School about their jobs and helping to refurbish a town scout hut.

Sainsbury’s and its contractors Kier have also been awarded as part of the Considerate Constructor Scheme in recognition of the efforts made to use best practice during the project.