THE village of Fernhill Heath, between Worcester and Droitwich, is to get its own SPAR store.

The 2,800 sq ft outlet, which occupies the site of the former Halfway House pub, will offer everyday essentials including bread, milk, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as a comprehensive hot and cold food-to-go range, fresh self-serve Costa Coffee, beers, wines, snacks, newspapers and magazines. There will also be an in-store Subway counter and table seating area, providing customers with a one-stop convenience, restaurant and takeaway.

he store will be run by family-owned convenience store operator Blakemore Retail and Blakemore retail area manager Donna Cooper said: “We’re looking forward to bringing our latest SPAR convenience offer to Fernhill Heath and would like to welcome the local community to join us for our opening celebrations between 10am and 3pm on Friday, September 4, when the store will be giving away hot food and Subway samples along with sweets for children. Face painting will take place between 10am and 2pm, and flowers will be presented to the first five customers. We are also delighted to announce that the new store has created 26 new full and part-time jobs for the local community.”

The SPAR will be open from 6am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and from 7am to 11pm on Sundays. The Subway will trade from 7am to 9pm seven days per week.