A NEW Bewdley convenience store has not been warmly welcomed by all residents.

Tesco Express, on Load Street, was officially opened by David Beard and Mayor of Bewdley, Derek Killingworth, on Friday morning (November 14) during a ribbon cutting ceremony.

As part of the opening celebrations, store manager, Leighton Pickett, and his team presented a £500 cheque to Bewdley Youth Café, which Mr Killingworth is a founder of.

Mr Pickett said the feedback he has received so far has been positive, although residents’ views on the new store have been mixed.

“We are hearing very positive feedback from our new customers,” he said.

“My staff and I want to make this a local store for local people, and aim to give our customers fantastic service and prices as well as providing a wide range of quality products.”

However, some residents have left comments on The Shuttle’s facebook page voicing their displeasure at Tesco moving into town.

Alex Bigal Simpson said: “Nobody cares how much you have donated.

“Bewdley does not need a generic shop starving all other business of any profit and causing chaos with deliveries and parking.”

Rob Packer said: “This is hardly good news is it. It's just the beginning of the end for old Bewdley.”

The new store is situated in the former Angel Inn and one of the main concerns from Shuttle readers is about traffic problems that could be caused due to the location.

Margaret Mary Tolley said: “Most people are objecting to where Tesco is and how dangerous it will be with traffic pulling out of their car park. It's not about it being Tesco and whether we need it or not.”

Angie Pitt said: “With the buses in the bus stop and cars coming out of their car park, it’s a accident waiting to happen.”

There were positive comments posted, with Alan Banks saying the shop will provide “healthy” competition to Co-operative Food.

Michelle England agreed with Mr Banks, saying: “Personally I think it's a great idea. Since Spar was shut, the Co-op has had no competition.”

Emma Louise McKenzie said: “My Nan will be shopping there all the time. She loves Tesco.”

The store, which will be open between 6am and 11pm daily, decided to donate to the Bewdley Youth Café as part of its “commitment to supporting the local community”.

Councillor Killingworth said: “I would like to thank Tesco for this donation and for inviting David and I to open the store on behalf of the Bewdley Youth Café.

“As an independent charity, making sure that the café is properly funded and that the organisation is able to continue its work is always a top priority and I’m pleased that Tesco have chosen to support the local community in this way.”

Mr Pickett added: “We have really enjoyed our store launch celebrations and I would like to thank David and councillor Killingworth for joining us.

“We are delighted to support the Bewdley Youth Café with our £500 donation as they are a great charity which carries out such invaluable work to support young people in the community.”