MARKS & Spencer will open its Simply Food store in Evesham next month, it has been announced.

Today the retailer revealed the new store, at the Evesham Shopping Park, Worcester Road, will officially be opened on Wednesday, November 13.

The opening of the 10,000 square foot store will create 60 new jobs but had been criticised in the past for its location by ward councillors.

They had hoped it would return to a location in the town centre after closing its previous store four years ago but acknowledged the arrival of the brand was a positive step for Evesham.

The new store will stock up to 3,000 food and drink products and have an in-store bakery and a 50 seat cafe.

Sean Phillips, store manager at M&S Simply Food Evesham, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing the very best of M&S food to Worcestershire next month with the much anticipated opening of the new M&S Simply Food store in Evesham. We’re confident that our quality offering will appeal to locals, as well as the surrounding areas.

“The new M&S Simply Food is a great addition to Evesham Shopping Park and we are especially pleased to be creating so many jobs in the area. We will be revealing an exciting launch day programme within the next few weeks, and invite shoppers across Worcestershire to join us in celebrating our opening on Wednesday, November 13.”

The shop will be open between 8am and 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sundays, with free parking available at the retail park.