Chocolates for Colin as new store opens

Supermarket sweets . . . Tesco’s first shopper Colin Lawrence is handed chocolates and flowers by store manager Anna Wisniowski

TESCO’S new store in Greenfield officially opened its doors yesterday to rapturous applause from staff and shoppers.

Colin Lawrence, the first shopper through the doors, was greeted by a banner of balloons, a row of smiling staff, flowers and a box of chocolates.

Store manager Anna Wisniowski (29) said: “I have got an absolutely fantastic team who have worked hard to get the store ready.

“It is a small, tight community here but we have a community champion who will be working to build that link with locals as well as all the store’s staff.

“Especially in this weather it will brilliant us being here for local people and I’ve had some really positive feedback.”

Oldham Mountain Rescue team, complete with its rescue vehicle and two dogs, was later on hand to cut the ribbon on the new store.

The team also received a £1,000 donation from Tesco.

The store has been surrounded by controversy in the build up to the opening day, but its first customers were delighted with their new shop.

David Nicolson (67), who has lived in the village for 58 years, said: “This was a tatty bit of land and now it is absolutely beautiful, what Tesco have done to this part of Greenfield is unbelievable. We have a fantastic marina, an eatery and a decent size shop, something which was desperately needed.

“There is room for this and local businesses providing they are good enough, due to the growing number of people living in Saddleworth.”

First shopper Colin Lawrence (50) said: “I think it is brilliant, I used to have to drive to Oldham to do the shopping.

“A lot of villagers who rely on buses will now be able to come here.”