A DERELICT supermarket which became an eyesore in Gorse Hill is set to open its doors again and will be creating dozens of jobs in the process.

The former Somerfields store, in Cricklade Road, had been neglected since Morrisons bought and shut the premises in 2009 for a review of its suitability.

The supermarket chain had said the process would take several months, but it was boarded up, and critics spoke out in May last year to claim it brought the area down, posed a fire risk and damaged trade.

The Adver announced, though, in November last year that Iceland, which already has one Swindon store in Havelock Square, was considering buying the unit.

Now that rumour has come to fruition and Iceland Foods will be opening a new store in Cricklade Road on Tuesday, June 25, creating 28 jobs.

Area manager Nick Morgan said: “We are delighted to be opening our new store on Cricklade Road. This represents a considerable investment by Iceland Foods and we will be creating 28 new jobs for the area.

“Our range of frozen, fresh and grocery will add greatly to the food shopping choice in the Gorse Hill area.

“We will also be providing free home delivery for customers who spend over £25.”

Last year, Gorse Hill PCSO Tom Fryszka said there was serious flooding in the building caused by a thief who had stripped off copper wiring. However the building was still structurally sound and fully secure again.

Coun Rochelle Russell (Independent, Gorse Hill) said she welcomed the news of the store opening and said that a lot of residents had been asking about the plans for a while.

She said: “I know very little about the store opening but I think it is great that that building has been used and I am sure there are so many people who have been asking about it that will be pleased.

“It is great news for the high street in Gorse Hill that it will no longer be boarded up and hopefully it will attract a few more. I really hope they recruit for the jobs they have created from the local community.”