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Fitting out begins at new Lidl store set to create 40 jobs at Anglia Retail Park

News

The construction of a new Lidl supermarket set to open at Anglia Retail Park in Ipswich before Christmas, creating 40 new jobs in the town, has been completed.

The big picture: Building work on what will become Ipswich's third Lidl store has been completed and the company has now begun fitting out the interior, marking a significant step in the its expansion in the region.

Colin Kreidewolf and Councillor Neil MacDonald
Colin Kreidewolf of Ipswich Borough Assets, and Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council LeaderIpswich Borough Assets

Why it matters: The new store will provide more options for residents as well as creating 40 new jobs in the area.

Key details:

  • Ipswich Borough Assets, owned by Ipswich Borough Council, completed the building work with Brooks and Wood

  • It's expected to open before Christmas, though an exact date hasn't been announced

What they're saying:

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council Leader: "The opening of Lidl at Anglia Retail Park is a fantastic development for Ipswich, reflecting our commitment to economic growth and improving local amenities. This new store not only brings more choice and value to our residents but also creates job opportunities that will benefit the community."

Colin Kreidewolf, Chair, Ipswich Borough Assets: "We are delighted that the building works for Lidl's new store has been completed on time. This development is a key addition to Anglia Retail Park and brings the prospect of 40 new jobs. We're pleased to have played a role in bringing this project to fruition and growing the offering at Anglia Retail Park."

What's next: Lidl will continue fitting out the store over the coming months. The company is expected to announce an official opening date soon.

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

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