A NEW petrol station and food store is open for business in Handbridge, following a months-long, multi-million pound redevelopment.

The new Co-op store, located at the junction with Queen's Park Road on Handbridge, officially opened on Friday, July 19, with the creation of 17 jobs.

The petrol station has a new layout to improve traffic flow, while the site is open from 6.30am-11pm daily.

The store itself runs on 100 per cent renewable electricity and offers compostable carrier bags instead of single-use plastic bags for customers who forget their bags-for-life.

Students can also benefit as the Co-op also offers a 10 per cent discount off groceries to students holding the NUS extra (TOTUM) card.

Eddie Jenkinson, national fuels manager for Co-op, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to make further significant investment in the Chester area; overhauling the petrol filling station and enhancing the food store in Handbridge in order to better serve the needs of the local community.

"We have been having a great response, with the redevelopment benefitting both the community and visitors to the area – and, it’s a great way to mark the 175th anniversary year of the Co-op!”

Dave Kay, Co-op area manager, added: “We have received a great response. It is our aim to establish the store at the heart of local life and contribute to the community - the store will have a great look and range, it’s all about getting closer to our members and customers, providing what they want, need and care about, conveniently."

Steve Vaughan, previous owner of Handbridge services for 22 years, added: “I am delighted to have sold to Co-op and to see the excellent rebuild and development they have invested in and the employment they are bringing to the local area.

"I am sure it will be an even greater asset to the community, and consumers will benefit from Co-op’s reinvestment to the area and their support of local projects.

"I am really pleased that the location for convenience shopping and fuel supply has remained in the same place as before and am certain that it will enhance the other local businesses in the central hub of the village - where it should be.

"After many happy years serving the Handbridge community and making many friends, I truly wish Co-op and the Handbridge area a successful and prosperous relationship.”