The Lincolnshire Co-operative has opened a new community hub in Swineshead.
The society made an investment of £1.6m into the outlet, which includes a food store and a pharmacy. With the opening of the hub, the co-op has also generated 15 jobs for the local community.
The store features an in-store bakery, fresh fruit and vegetables, groceries, food-to-go, meal options and beers and wines.
The pharmacy has been relocated from its former home to provide improve facilities for colleagues and patients. The new branch includes a private consultation room and a larger dispensing area.
Prior to the opening of the new centre, colleagues from the food store and the pharmacy took part in a staff volunteering project at Swineshead St Mary’s Primary School.
Store manager Emma Relton said: “It was great to do the volunteering so we could introduce ourselves to the community. Hopefully, we can come back and do more in the future.
“We’re all excited for the challenge of the new store opening and providing our valued services to people in the area.”
Sydney Elston, pharmacy medicines assistant and food store customer services assistant, says people in the village will benefit from having a new hub.
“The facilities in the pharmacy will make it easier for customers to access medical care and with the food store and pharmacy being in one place, they only need to go to one location to get all they need.”
The store opened on 19 July with an official opening ceremony and a range of promotions for customers.
The society also plans a family fun day at the store on Saturday, 21 July, with samples from local producers, games and other activities for children.
