The opening date of a highly-anticipated new food store on a housing estate has been revealed – 11 years after the first residents moved in.

The Co-op will open at Thistle Hill in Minster on Friday, October 4, following a £700,000 investment.

The new shop, off Aspen Drive, will create 16 full and part-time jobs and will include a bakery, a Costa Coffee machine and a cash machine.

Store manager Dani Arnone said: "We are delighted to have undertaken such a significant investment in Minster and are very proud to be part of this community."

Carly Muggivan, Co-op area manager, added: "The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum, and our ambition is to ensure the store is a local hub for people living in the area.

"We also want shoppers to know they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op.

"Our members make a difference locally and by swiping their membership card when they shop with us, they are raising much-needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life."

Residents living on the sprawling development, the first of which moved in to their new homes in 2008, have been waiting many years for a shop to be built.

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

Hundreds of homes have since been constructed but people have had nowhere to buy essentials.

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

Matt Wheatcroft, 79, who lives in Myrtle Road, said he was "absolutely delighted" the new shop would be opening soon.

He said: "I'm delighted it's a Co-op, as I'm a long-term member, and I'm delighted how quick the builders have got the shell up - we are long overdue for a shop.

"People are happy about it. We've got the community centre, school, playing field, playground and now the Co-op. Thistle Hill is finally settling."

Read more: All the latest news from Sheerness

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