A NEW Tesco Express store has opened in Ipswich as the supermarket giants continue to strengthen its position in Ipswich.The St Matthews Street store is only a stone's throw from the site that was occupied before the firm opened the Copdock Mill superstore in 1987.

A NEW Tesco Express store has opened in Ipswich as the supermarket giants continue to strengthen its position in Ipswich.

The St Matthews Street store is only a stone's throw from the site that was occupied before the firm opened the Copdock Mill superstore in 1987.

Tesco also plans to build a new superstore on the former B&Q site in Grafton Way.

New store manager Nick Thorp said: “We've recruited a great team of people and I'm looking forward to working with my new staff.

“We are delighted to be opening a Tesco Express store in Ipswich, and looking forward to playing an active role in the local community.”

Among the first shoppers at the store was 33-year-old Inesa Zvirbla of Norwich Road.

She said: “It is very useful for me.

“I'm very glad they have opened it.

“Before, it was difficult for me to get to a Tesco.”

Cheryl Chapman, 53, of Kingston Road, said: “It means we don't have to go into town to get to a supermarket.”

Meanwhile more than 300 jobs will be created when retail giant Asda opens its new store in Ipswich.

After 18 months of speculation and uncertainty, builders moved back on to the site in Stoke Park Drive last month to resume work on the supermarket.

Asda withdrew from the site in May 2007 when its residential partner pulled out of the scheme.

However, the store will be finished and open for trading by the autumn.

Tom McGarry, property communications manager for Asda, said: “We are pleased to confirm that our procurement procedures have been completed, our contractors appointed and we are delighted that we are on schedule to be back on site.”

The store will have a 2,500-square metre sales area providing the full Asda food and non-food range, including George clothing.