THE controversial convenience store at Cleethorpes' newest medical centre has opened its doors.
There were fears having a Spar at Taylor's Avenue Medical Centre was inappropriate because of sales of alcohol and cigarettes, and residents feared extra traffic.
However, staff and shoppers at yesterday's launch say it will prove a useful amenity for residents and those visiting GPs.
The first shopper through the door was Roger Bryant, 62, of Lynton Rise.
He said: "It's a lovely store and it's going to be really useful for us.
"Most of the people who were complaining about it opening don't live right opposite like we do anyway.
"There were a lot of problems when it was a pub and standing empty and I can't see them occurring now it's a shop.
"Some people have expressed concerns about the extra traffic but Taylor's Avenue has always been busy. I think it's a great facility."
The new store, which is 2,500 square feet, has created 15 jobs.
Malcolm Cass, 36, from Cleethorpes, secured his just a day after being made redundant from Grimsby's Staples.
He said: "The Jobcentre has been fantastic. They told me about this place opening and I applied straight away.
"It's great to work for such a big company and I feel lucky to have found work again so quickly after being made redundent from Staples.
"I don't think it matters what the store stocks, I think people will find it really useful."
The shop offers fresh produce, frozen goods, an in-store bakery and general groceries, as well as Paypoint and Payzone.
Manager Lisa Brown, 45, from Grimsby, has worked for Spar for seven years and was based in Trinity Road.
She said: "As soon as I heard about this store opening I applied.
"It's fantastic to be in charge of a brand-new store and we're really looking forward to welcoming customers."
Cutting the ribbon, Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Councillor Mike Burton said: "I think this is a great development and it's wonderful to see the site back in use."
The medical centre, which will house Dr Sylvere Dijoux and partners and Dr Mushtaq Zaro and Dr Omar Qureshi, opens on Monday.
