A NEW £1million shop is due to open in Old Basing this weekend on the site of a family-run business that closed in the summer.

As reported in The Gazette, brother and sister Bob Pyle and Mary Salmon retired this year after running Linden Market, which had traded for more than 50 years.

The shop, in Linden Avenue, had been set up by Bob and Mary's parents, Charlie and Amy Pyle, in October 1964, and its doors closed for the final time on Saturday, August 8 this year.

Andrew Hodges, manager of the new Co-operative Food store, said the new store represented a £1million investment to create a store which will sell fresh, chilled and healthy foods, ready meals and essentials.

It will also include a bakery and a cash machine.

Mr Hodges said: "We are thrilled to have a fantastic food store with which to serve the Old Basing community - it is an exciting time for the whole store team, we believe the store will really be an asset to the community.

"The Co-operative is a community retailer, and we are committed to playing an active role in local life, embracing the area's community spirit.

"The store will be a hub for the local community, and customers will be able to find out what is going on locally, and learn about how The Co-operative can benefit local groups.

"With the combination of our new store, innovations in our own-brand ‘Loved by us’ range, and our newly launched £125m investment in lowering the price of everyday essentials, I am confident we will provide the community with everything needed to pick-up delicious food conveniently and create inspirational and tasty meals at home.”

Ten new full and part-time positions have been created at the new store.

It will open from 7am to 11pm seven days a week, and there will be promotions and offers to mark its launch.