A new Lidl store is set to open next month and will bring in 40 new jobs to the community.

The new branch on Church Hill in Loughton will open its doors for the first time on October 1 at 8am.

The store will feature a 1,158 metre-squared sales area, the classic instore bakery, longer-style tills and parking for both cars and bikes.

There will also be social distancing measures including floor markings, cleaning stations and protective screens at checkouts due to the coronavirus pandemic.

During the first week of opening, customers will be able to find exclusive deals and offers on selected products including a Playtive Junior Animal Rocker (£14.99) and a Parkside Bandsaw (£49,99) and a Silvercrest Bread Maker (£29.99).

The store will also provide surplus food and customer donations to community hub 3food4u, which will help some of the most vulnerable people within the community.

Lidl GB’s Regional Head of Property, Ilana O’Hegarty, commented: “We would like to thank all those who have played a part in bringing this new Lidl store to Loughton.

“It is great for us to be able to create more jobs and investment opportunities in the area, and we can’t wait to start serving our multi-award winning products to the local community.”

This will be the second branch within the district, with another one already based in Cartersfield Road, Waltham Abbey.

On the opening day, there will be a special ceremony to mark the awarding of a blue plaque, as the site was formally the London General Omnibus Company Bus Garage.

The store will be open from 8am to 10pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.