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Champagne opening for new store
HAILSHAM'S long-awaited new Tesco store finally opens its doors on Monday after five years of dividing opinion in the town.
The supermarket has been the subject of much heated debate since Tesco unveiled its plans to build in North Street in 2003.
Its multi-million pound scheme involved knocking down White House primary school and paying for its relocation to a brand new state-of-the-art building in Marshfoot Lane.
The adjacent North Street car park was also consigned to the history books and after five years of discussion - and more than a year of building work - the store will finally open its doors at 8am on Monday.
In an attempt to protect town centre shops, the Tesco store has been limited in size and what it can sell - it is not allowed to set-up a franchised pharmacy, newsagent, post office, financial services, photo processor or dry cleaning facilities.
The design of the store also takes into account Hailsham's history, with reference's to the town crest and its ropemaking heritage.
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) will pick up a cheque from Tesco for 1,000 at the official opening after Gazette readers nominated it to receive the donation.
The charity's founder Trevor Weeks, chair Sue Wilkinson and manager of its Horsebridge Casualty Care Unit Tim McKenzie will cut the ribbon as Tesco's guests of honour.
Mr Weeks said, "I would like to thank Tesco for the kind donation and everyone who nominated us to receive it.
"We are so grateful for everyone's support and the donation will be really helpful in helping us to answer all the call outs we get.
"We have had to really stretch our finances this year due to the huge number of call outs we have been receiving so the money will go towards operation costs such as petrol for the ambulances and medication for the animals."
Store manager Gerry Byrne said he was 'delighted' for WRAS.
He said, "They do such fantastic work locally and are clearly a very important charity to the people of Hailsham.
"I look forward to meeting Trevor, Sue and Tim on Monday and pleased they will be joining in the celebration with us.
"My staff and I are really excited about welcoming our new customers and I hope the residents of Hailsham are pleased with their new Tesco."
Complementary glasses of champagne and orange juice will be on offer to Tesco customers at the official launch at 10am.
In addition, 'Lolly for your Trolley' will run between 9am and 6pm when a checkout will be chosen at random and the lucky customer at that checkout will win a 20 gift card.
The store is also donating 2,000 to East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service's youth community scheme.
The 'BLAZE Coaching for a Safer Community' project helps educate local 13- to 15-year-olds about fire and road safety through fun exercise and healthy eating sessions.
Tesco Hailsham will provide the scheme with a smoothie workshop and a masterclass with basketball freestylist Tommy Baker in the New Year.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
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