The wait is almost over for residents who have been waiting 23 years for a shop to be built on their estate.

Thousands of homes have been constructed on the sprawling for Thistle Hill development in Minster but people have had nowhere to buy their essentials.

Their closest shop is Costcutter in Minster Road, which is about a mile away.

But, nine months after the Co-op submitted plans for a 427-square metre food store off Aspen Drive, Bovis Homes has confirmed work is set to start on the new shop in a matter of weeks.

A Bovis Homes spokesman said: “We completed the sale of the land to a commercial developer at the beginning of September, and understand they have secured a deal with the Co-operative to take up the space.

“We have been informed by the new owner that construction on the site will commence later this year, with the new store opening in 2019.

“The sale of this land has been a long time in the making, and will bring forward this fantastic new retail offering to the residents of Thistle Hill.”

Having a shop at Thistle Hill was part of the original plans when the estate was first built in 1995.

Cllr Elliott Jayes, a member of Minster Parish Council who lives on the estate, has welcomed the news.

He said: “This is excellent news for the residents who have been waiting for so long. I can’t wait to see it complete.

“It’s nice to see another Co-op open after losing one at Halfway many years ago.

“It will also provide good, local employment opportunities for residents of the estate.”

It is estimated the new shop will create 20 jobs and cost around £600,000 to build.

Cllr Jayes added: “It’s going to make a big difference to residents who currently have to drive to a shop to grab a pint of milk or loaf of bread. They’ve waited a long time for this.”