Shoppers turn out in force for opening of The Range in Grantham

Eager shoppers were queuing ahead of the official opening of Grantham’s newest retail arrival.

Customers had turned out in force for the opening of home and garden retailer The Range at the Grantham Retail Park, in Gonerby Road.

Guest of honour, the Mayor of Grantham Councillor Jacky Smith, was invited to cut the ribbon and declare the £1 million plus store open.

She was accompanied by store manager Peter Marshall (32) who said: “It has been a fantastic response by the people of Grantham.

He said: “Customers have been knocking on the doors for the last two weeks hoping that we were open - well we are now.”

Mr Marshall, who was previously deputy manager of The Range’s Lincoln store, said: “I was slightly nervous before the opening but the event has gone really well.

“I am very pleased.”

Cllr Smith said: “I am delighted to see The Range in town and it shows that big business sees that we are a growing and important economic centre.”

The Grantham store is the latest to be opened by The Range, which has embarked on what regional manager Matt Davies said is an “aggressive” programme of store openings across the country.

The store, which covers two floors and has an outdoor garden centre, has created 80 jobs for local people.