SUPERMARKET giant Waitrose is to open a new store in Sidcup within the next three months, it has been confirmed today.

In May last year the firm halted proposals for a shop in the High Street following a review of its business plans.

This sparked fears they would pull out completely and the launch of a ‘We Want Waitrose Campaign’, backed by Bexley Council, with the support of Sidcup MP James Brokenshire, councillors and Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

The Waitrose board has today announced they have given the green light to open the store by the end of August which will create up to 70 new jobs.

James Brokenshire MP said: "This is absolutely fantastic news for Sidcup after the concerted campaigning of so many people.

“The Sidcup Waitrose will give a big boost to the High Street and create welcome new jobs.

“We never gave up on efforts to persuade Waitrose to come to Sidcup and I'm delighted that they listened to that message and will be opening their doors soon.”

Plans for an 84-bedroom Travelodge, a Waitrose supermarket and a commercial unit were approved by Bexley Council in December last year for development on the site of the Black Horse pub, which closed in 2007.

Leader of Bexley Council, Teresa O'Neill, is delighted by the food retailer’s decision.

She said “Their presence will be a welcome boost to the work we have all been doing to rejuvenate the area and we know that, once the shop is open, local residents will prove to Waitrose why they were so keen for them to come.”

Nigel Keen, Waitrose director of development, stressed the firm always intended to launch a new store in Sidcup.

He added: “We are grateful to everyone who welcomed our original plans and look forward to becoming part of the Sidcup community."