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Pic 'n' mix makes a return as shop opens
THE pic 'n' mix was flowing as crowds turned out for the official opening of new high street store Alworths.
The company, formed by former Woolworths employees left jobless by its demise, launched the shop this morning in Sycamore Road, Amersham.
The ribbon on the premises previously occupied by Woolworths was cut by 11-year-old Examiner competition winner Nicole Walker, of Chesham, who was given the opportunity by penning a poem about the opening.
Balloons and tasters of the pic 'n' mix sweets welcomed the shoppers at the company's second store in the country.
Managing director, Andy Latham, who worked for Woolworths for 25 years, greeted visitors to his new venture.
He said: "The principle is to regenerate the UK high streets of which Amersham is a really good example as there are lots of holes in the high street. It's aimed at adults shopping with children. We are a convenience shop and so parents do not have to put their kids in cars and take them to the supermarkets. Also it's about treats for the mums and dads and being part of the community, talking to local councillors, Chambers of Trade and local charities.
"We have 22 staff in the store and about half are former Woolworths employees. These people went through a very hard time last year and it's something new and exciting for them."
Former Amersham Woolworths shop assistant Dan Wemyss, 24, worked for the company for three years before being made redundant. Mr Wemyss has now returned to the store's new reincarnation. He said: "Being made redundant was difficult as I was very happy and comfortable with Woolworhthso it was very disappointing. I didn't hesitate to apply for a job here when I heard about it. I've already met some of the previous Woolworths customers and they have been saying 'it's nice to see you back'."
The opening follows a successful battle by businesses after a planning application was submitted to change the use of the site to being used for 'financial services'. Chiltern District Council threw out the plans however an appeal on the decision is pending.
Mother-of-two and Amersham resident Natalie Westlake came to shop in Alworths. She said: "I used to shop in Woolworths all of the time. So far it looks great and I'm getting some inspiration for Christmas. It's good for basic necessities like children's socks and pants - the everyday important things, which you couldn't get unless you went to the bigger shopping areas."
Lillian Podbury, of Little Chalfont, was also among the shoppers. She said: "I think it's absolutely fantastic and really really welcome in the area. It was awful to look at that empty shop."
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