THE Spar at the Esso garage on Currock Road in Carlisle has been transformed into an Asda as part of a national acquisition.

The work began on Sunday, November 19 and the new Asda will reopen today (Tuesday, November 21).

The garage itself will remain an Esso rather than changing to become an Asda garage.

The deal, which was first announced in May, will see 356 EG Group sites - which are all modern convenience stores on petrol filling stations – become Asda Express stores.

The stores will be opening across the UK, with 310 in England, 24 in Scotland and 22 in Wales. The roll out is expected to kick off in the coming weeks.

The converted Asda Express sites will stock up to 3,000 branded and own-label products to suit 'a broad range of customer needs'.

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“This is a great day for Asda,” said Mohsin Issa, co-owner of Asda.

“Asda is a much-loved brand that is instantly recognised for great value. I could not be more proud or excited that the iconic Asda sign is now coming to more communities.

“I’d also like to welcome our new colleagues from EG UK who have joined the Asda family today.”