New Tesco opens in Pontypool (From Free Press Series)

New Tesco opens in Pontypool

AT 8AM precisely, the roller-door rattled up and a crowd of around 50 shoppers rushed into the new Tesco store.

Staff lined up inside and clapped the early-rising customers on Monday morning. Dafydd Morgan from Pontnewynydd was determined to be first in to claim one of the bottles of champagne awaiting the first customer at each of the 21 tills.

He crawled under the roller-door as it opened, grabbed a packet of biscuits and became the store's first ever customer.

Next in was Jackie Busi, along with members of her family. "Tesco has been good for Pontypool in the past, let's see what the new one is like," she said. After a trip round the store, she gave it her seal of approval.

"It's a lovely place. I think it will do very well," she said.

An official opening ceremony took place at 10 am. Local jazz band the Tommy Williams Quartet helped the ceremony go with a swing as long-serving staff member Val Watkins cut the ribbon across the main entrance.

The new store is the largest development to come to the town for many years and local councillors were there to see years of planning come to fruition.

Mayor of Torfaen Councillor Yvonne Warren said: "We are just here to wish Tesco and the town all the best and it is so nice to see the car park open."

Assistant Director for the Environment Duncan Smith felt a sense of accomplishment after fighting for the development for many years.

He said: "I am very proud, it is a major achievement accomplished over ten years of hard work.

"It is the best thing that has happened to Pontypool and it marks the beginnings of a new future for the town."

The Tesco site is the first step to a wider plan which includes a number of other big name stores including Wilkinson, Peacocks and Argos being drawn to the town as part of its regeneration.

Trevethin councillor and chair of Pontypool Regeneration John Marshall said: "It is important to say that we should encourage people to use the supermarket, the town and market, we do not want to see anyone suffer."

Val Watkins of Garndiffaith took over the celebrity role of cutting the official ribbon and was given a VIP day by the store as a thank you.

Val began work at Tesco in 1972 and in that year Bob Monkhouse came to open the original Tesco in George Street. Val arrived at the new store in a white stretch limo to cheers from new staff and management said: "They have been a great firm to work for and I've made great friends."