Students from Maidstone Grammar school in Barton Road will be spoilt for choice when they nip out buy a sandwich at lunch time.

This Friday, a new Co-op supermarket is opening at the end of Barton Road, on the corner with Loose Road.

The supermarket represents a £900,00 investment by the company and has created 12 jobs.

It joins the Tesco Express, which is opposite it on the other side of Loose Road, and also the more traditional News, Food and Wine corner shop, which is opposite on the other side of Barton Road.

The new Co-op store has parking, a Costa coffee express, bakery and hot food alongside the usual groceries.

Rebecca Taylor, Co-op area manager, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to make such a significant investment in Maidstone.

"The store has a great look and we have worked to develop the range, choice, products and services that will create a really compelling offer to the community."

She said: “We are committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally, and to operating at the heart of local life.

"That is why we also want customers to know that they can become a member of their Co-op, and that they can make a difference to local causes every time they swipe their membership card when buying own branded products.”

Co-op members are rewarded with 2p in every pound they spend on Co-op branded products, and the retailer also shares a further 2p with community causes.

Students who are TOTUM cardholders - the new name for NUS extra – can pocket a 10% discount off groceries at the Co-op.

In addition, the Co-op has a Community Shopping Card to make life easier for those self-isolating during Covid.

Cards can be purchased or topped-up by calling 0800 029 4592, enabling friends, families, neighbours or volunteers to shop on their behalf in store.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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