VILLAGERS are celebrating the opening of a new convenience store which is also set to provide post office services.

Richard Dance and his wife Karen, who run the Welcome chain, have taken over the former Sainsbury’s Local shop in Brookley Road, Brockenhurst.

The new store has also welcomed its first customers and an in-store post office is set to follow later this year, replacing a previous facility.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, the closure coincided with the news that Sainsbury's Local and CJs bakery were also shutting.

Sainsbury's said its decision was based "on a range of factors" while CJs owners, Susan Czajkauski and Cheryl Hughes, were reported to have refused to sign a new lease on the shop.

Karen said: “The opening day was busy throughout.

"The locals were happy to see the new store in after a number of closures including Sainsbury’s and the post office.

“They also welcomed the additional opportunity to get provisions for the local community during the coronavirus outbreak.”

Referring to the large number of pensioners in the area she said: “Brockenhurst Parish Church are committed to caring for the elderly or vulnerable by supporting deliveries, the maintenance of a social link and offering reassurance."

Richard and Karen are attempting to buy as much produce as possible from New Forest suppliers.

Karen said: “We have tried hard to support local businesses who have lost hotel and restaurant trade, including local bread and cake suppliers, beer, fish and butchery.

“We are offering both dry products and wet products such as washing up liquid and hand wash."

The couple, who run similar shops in Marchwood and Ashurst, are planning to offer a wide range of products and a raft of environmentally-friendly initiatives, including alternatives to plastic packaging.

She added: “We have also been giving away recycled cotton Welcome bags to support the plastic-free offering.”

Several people have taken to social media to praise the new store.

One man posted: “So lucky to have such a great family business in Brockenhurst.

“The store looks amazing and I am sure it will be a great success.”