Central England Co-op has announced an opening date for its new Ashby store - and given a first look at the progress of its brand new community outlet.

The retailer will officially open in Market Street on Friday, January 14, with confirmed features including self-scan till points, Costa Coffee, Tango Ice Blast and F'Real Milkshake machines, as well as customer toilets.

It will also include a food bank collection point supporting Ashby Food Bank as it continues to manage the increased demand caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The opening of the brand new store is the result of the relocation of Central England Co-op's smaller Market Street site in the town, which will close its doors for the final time on Thursday, January 13, ready for the opening of the bigger, more modern offering for the local community.

The new store has created some issues, with Ashby de la Zouch Town Council objecting to the fact that the development to the rear of the building will see the loss of 17 car parking spaces Livelihood of Ashby shopkeepers is put at risk by loss of car parking spaces.

Some Ashby residents have questioned the site for the new store as it is just a few hundred yards from the Co-op supermarket in Derby Road, which is owned by a different company.

The new store has a history of being a food store, but most recently was the site of the Ashby branch of New Look.

The images provided by Central England Co-op showcase progress inside and outside of the store ahead of the official opening, with special eco-friendly fridges and lighting now installed to back up the retailer's eco-friendly ethos, while the kiosk and self-scan till points are also now in place ready to welcome locals next month.

Market Street Central England Co-op Store Manager Chris Watson said: "These images show that our brand new store in Ashby is close to being ready to launch offering a bigger, brighter and more modern shopping experience for the local community, with a host of new features and an expanded product range.

"We can't wait to welcome our customers and members to see the fantastic new store and keep the local community stocked with vital food and essentials in these uncertain times."

The Market Street food store will be open from 7am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday.

The store will offer a wide range of products from everyday necessities to something a little more special.

This includes fresh fruit and vegetables, an in-store bakery offering breads and pastries, chilled beers and wines, fresh and frozen product, Irresistible product ranges, as well as a great selection of food to go, including hot food.

It will also offer Lottery, a free cash machine and customer car park.