A TOWN centre supermarket closed its doors for the last time, as a new one is set to today open ready to continue serving its customers.

Sainsbury’s in Church Road shut up last night (Tuesday) ahead of the multi-million pound demolition and revamp, which now begins on site.

A new mini-supermarket is opening its doors at 7am today (Wednesday) in its temporary home of Howardsgate in WGC.

New manager Michelle Johns took the WHT on a sneak preview around the newly-converted shop, which will be open seven days a week.

She said the prices in the new shop were the same as in the larger stores.

“We’re not a Local, we’re the smallest supermarket in the Sainsbury’s brand,” she said.

“This has been designed specifically for WGC, it’s never been done before.”

With fresh fruit and vegetables, a bakery, kiosk with lottery, alcohol and cigarettes, chilled and frozen ranges lots has been packed into the small space.

Michelle added: “There’s a little bit of everything and some new ranges as well.

“Customers will definitely be able to do their weekly shop.

“We know lots of our customers do a basket shop.”

Outgoing store manager Mike Banissy said he was happy Sainsbury’s was keeping a presence in the town for his loyal customers.

He said: “I can’t thank our customers enough, they are lovely and have been amazingly loyal over the years.

“I’m absolutely delighted and proud of the new store.”

He added of his 76 staff, 18 were moving over to the temporary store, 26 were transferring to other Sainsbury’s shops and the rest, including himself, had taken voluntary redundancy.