A Very Warm Welcome to Bedford for Waitrose

It was my very great pleasure to cut the ribbon at the opening of Bedford's brand new Waitrose store yesterday morning. Those who live nearby or who travel past the new store off Goldington Road (on the site of the former Courts building) will know how swiftly the building work has taken place in recent weeks. The new store is great news for Bedford, bringing new choice and competition for local shoppers, not to mention significant investment and new jobs for the local economy. The store employs 140 staff, and is even taking on a small number of apprentices, which is fantastic.

The store looks great, and the tempting offerings in the cafe will no doubt help attract repeat business! The warm welcome I refer to was shown by the huge queue of shoppers already in place for the grand opening at 7.30am! It was great to see Bedford and District Cerebral Palsy Society, one of this year's Mayor's Charities, represented at the opening, as they have been selected as on of Waitrose's three chosen charities for its first month.

Since Waitrose first announced its intention to open a store here, many residents have told me how much they are looking forward to enjoying a local Waitrose and the further choice it will provide locally. It's great that the store is now off and running, bringing significant benefits for Bedford, and I wish it all the very best for a successful future.