MORRISONS has announced the opening of its "M local" convenience store in Windermere.

Located in the former Style Trading outlet on Main Road, it opens on Monday, December 3 at 9am.

The company says it has created 20 permanent jobs for the town, among people who were previously unemployed or on temporary seasonal contracts.

Morrisons says it will stock over 100 lines of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as freshly baked bread, fresh meat and fish prepared at the Kendal store and delivered daily.

Other features of the store include a hot ‘Food to Go’ section, where customers can pick up coffee, pastries, orange juice and bacon sandwiches.

There will also be a salad bar, a selection of deli express items such as olives and cheeses and a meal deal section.

Ben Shrewsbery, store manager, said: “Our M local is providing a key link to local residents to ensure access to the same fresh food and products available in larger Morrisons at the same great prices. We’re also providing permanent employment for 20 local people who previously did not have the guarantee of a stable income all year round."

The store will open daily from 6am to 11pm.

Some critics say the town has enough supermarkets with Booths and the Co-operative store, while others fear its arrival could affect smaller independent traders and coffee shops.

Windermere and Bowness Civic Society complained to Lake District National Park planners that the opening hours are 'unneighbourly' to people living nearby.