A new petrol station and store has opened in a north Cumbrian town following a complete rebuild.
The new Spar store and six-pump Shell forecourt is on the A7 at Bridge Street in Longtown and replaces an old forecourt and kiosk, which was acquired three years ago by James Hall and Co Ltd from local operators Alastair and Moyra Tuddenham.
Following the opening, the company’s second store in the town on Netherby Street has closed, with the retail team transferred to the new site..
The store was opened by three members of the Longtown Detachment of the Cumbria Army Cadet Force. The detachment, with Longtown Community Centre, Longtown Youth Cub, and Longtown Primary School, received a financial contribution from Spar.
Fiona Drummond, company stores director at James Hall and Co Ltd, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to launch our new store and forecourt in Longtown, and it was lovely to receive such a warm welcome from the community.
“Longtown residents had long required an improved offer, and the new store will also support the significant passing trade between England and Scotland. It has taken the company a while to bring the vision to a reality, and that reality is light years from what was here before.”
Matthew Anson, staff sergeant at the Longtown Detachment, added: “It is a massive privilege to have the support of Spar. One of my goals is to make the detachment a pillar of the community in Longtown and build up links with local businesses and organisations.
“We are in the process of developing our outdoor facilities which will support the growth and development of Army Cadets and will also help the detachment with recruitment. The funding from SPAR will go a long way to achieving this so we are very grateful.”
Judith Fleming was the first customer through the door with her friend Brenda Sewell.
She said: “I have watched it being built and could not wait to come down. I used to work at the garage in the 70s and 80s and I cannot believe the transformation. It is just what the town needed.
“It really is a marvellous store, and the prices are very good. With the range in the store, it will also save me a trip to Carlisle. There is such a big catchment around Longtown as well and I think it is amazing for the area.”
Customer Edna Dickie said: “It is brilliant store. The butchers is fantastic and the store range has so much variety – much more than I was expecting. You can do a full shop now.
“We have been waiting for this, and it could not come quickly enough. Now it is here I think it is great for the town. It is very impressive.”
Shirley Johnston added: “I have lived in Longtown for 35 years and this is a wonderful development.
“I previously used the old store every couple of days and with the deli in here now too I think I will be in most days. My husband will love the Iceland section – the Greggs range is great, and his favourites are the steak bake and the chicken bake.”
At the opening event, the first 50 customers received free tea.
