A new Welcome franchise store opened last month in Manor Road, Lancing, West Sussex. The site has been redeveloped and extended during a six-month refurbishment with a new forecourt, tanks and pumps. The new BP-branded forecourt features eight fuel pumps, jet wash and air and vacuum machines.

The Welcome store features a Costa, Co-op fresh food bakery, hot food, and Gourmade a specialist frozen food range, made nearby in Chichester.

Owner and developer Subu Nanthakumar bought the freehold of the site, which was originally Esso-branded.

He said: "It has been a long six months but very rewarding to now have a shop and garage providing local amenities and services within the local community."

The site is Southern Co-op’s eighth new Welcome franchise this year, across both single and multiple store operators. The independent co-operative gives franchisees access to major brands and Co-op own-label products.