SPAR’s continued investment in communities in Northern England will see the opening of a new convenience store in Willington on Thursday 28th July. A family fun day will also be held on Saturday 30th July as part of the opening celebrations to make it a community occasion for all ages.

The new 3,000 sq. ft. SPAR and Shell branded forecourt will open at 11am on Thursday and the £3m development has breathed new life into the site of Park View Garage on the A690.

The Mayor of Greater Willington Town Council Cllr Ken Henfrey will officially open the store, and he will be supported by the Deputy Mayor Cllr Angela Smith, Cllr Olwyn Gunn of Willington and Hunwick ward on Durham County Council.

Members of the public will then be invited inside to take advantage of a range of fantastic opening WOW deals. The first 50 customers through the doors will get their ‘tea for free’ and Willington residents will be receiving SPAR money-off coupons through the post in advance of the store opening.

Ahead of the launch, James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR UK’s primary wholesaler and distributor for the North of England, has been putting community at the heart of the opening with sponsorship and contributions to local charities and sports initiatives.

These include support for Willington Association Football Club and a donation to the Durham Foodbank which supports those in need in Willington.

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The family fun day will take place at the store from 11am until 1pm on the Saturday when there will be balloon modelling, face painting opportunities, a raffle, and goody bags for children and adults who attend on the day to take home.

Fiona Drummond, Company Stores Director at James Hall & Co. Ltd, said: “We’re very excited to launch our latest company-owned SPAR store in Willington.

“The home straight is now in sight for the opening day and the family fun day, and we can’t wait to welcome the Willington community through the doors.

“Two of SPAR’s brand pillars are Nurturing Our Neighbourhoods and Passionate About Local and I’m delighted that we have been able to support the football club and foodbank in advance of opening.

“I know that we will continue to explore opportunities for contributions locally as a demonstration of our commitment to the area.”

SPAR Willington’s opening hours are 6am-11pm seven days a week, and features include a Graham Eyes butchers counter and a Clayton Park Deli, as well as Cheeky Coffee and Tango Ice Blast machines for refreshment options.

There is also a comprehensive range of fresh foods, food to go, major branded products, and beers, wines and spirits.

The Shell forecourt features six fuel pumps, water, air and vacuum machines, an ATM, and customer parking.