Sainsbury's Local opened its doors on the Persimmon Homes Bluebell Meadow housing estate in Bradwell on Thursday, where the head of a defibrillator charity was on hand to cut the ribbon of the new branch.

With plans originally announced in 2022, the manager of the new store on Wood Farm Lane said the opening was a "long time coming".

Manager, Kirk Wright, second left, with his team at the new Sainsbury's Local at Bluebell Meadows, Bradwell. From left, the customer trading managers are, Maria Buckle; Scott Black; and Tom Harvey. (Image: Denise Bradley)"Staff are very excited, and there was a buzz at the opening," manager Kirk Wright said.

"It's been a lot of hard work by so many people, so it is nice to see it all come together.

"There is also a lovely community on this new-build estate, which is why our staff were very keen to support the Heart2Heart charity."

Jayne Biggs, of Heart2Heart, with the defibrillator she has placed at the new Sainsbury's Local at Bluebell Meadows, Bradwell, with the help of Angie Ash, left. (Image: Denise Bradley)Sainsbury's employee Angie Ashe started a campaign to raise £1,000 for a defibrillator for the local area, with Persimmon Homes contributing a further £500.

At the opening, Heart2Heart director Jayne Biggs said the new defibrillator - which is located outside to the right of the store's main entrance - is the charity's 303rd to have been distributed.

"It's amazing to see," Mrs Biggs said.

"It's in a great location right in the centre of so many houses and accessible even while the store is closed.

"It was a real community effort, and one which could help save lives."

READ MORE: Bradwell Subway restaurant opening at Bluebell Meadow estate

The parade of new shops, including the Sainsbury's Local, at Bluebell Meadows, Bradwell. (Image: Denise Bradley)The new defibrillator went live last Monday and will be maintained by staff at the new Sainsbury's store.

Last month, a Subway opened at the new Bluebell retail site. Two other businesses - Golden Scissors Traditional Turkish Barbers and Rumbles Takeaway - are set to open shortly. The units share 42 parking spaces, including six bays for electric vehicle charging.

The retail development follows the ongoing expansion of the housing estate, which will see the construction of 850 homes.