Decade long wait for a shop is almost over

Ten years after the first homes were occupied, East Wichel is at last about to get a shop. The Mid-Counties Co-op will be opening in the shopping parade on East Wichel Way at 9 am on Thursday 24^th January. The store will be staffed by a team of fifteen people. It intends to stock a wide range of groceries — or at least as wide a range as can be fitted into a relatively small store — and will include an in-store bakery and a hot food counter.

For those wanting help with their choice of beverage, the store manager, Jeanette Timmins, is a qualified wine expert. Local produce stocked will include wine from Poulton Hill Estate in Cirencester, fresh fruit and vegetables from Alcester’s Mudwalls Farm and chilli-infused products from Gloucestershire Chilli Farm.

The new store will feature the latest energy efficient fittings, including LED lighting and energy-efficient refrigeration units. The Co-op has spent just over £½ million on setting up the store.

Another imminent arrival in East Wichel is Ruby Lou’s Tattoo Studio, opening in Trevello Road at the beginning of February.