THE opening of another new supermarket in Dursley has brought renewed positivity to the town.

Shoppers and traders were both thrilled to see the new Iceland store open in Parsonage Street today after Somerfield closed down over three months ago.

Businesses near the frozen food supermarket were optimistic it would improve trade.

Margaret Harbard, owner of Dursley Pet Shop, said: "From my point of view Iceland opening is very positive and I am very hopeful it will bring more people up to the top of Parsonage Street. We suffered quite badly when Somerfield closed so this will hopefully reverse that."

Dawn Bailey, owner of The Honey Pot, said: "It is bound to have a good effect on the town, we have been looking forward to it.

"It is bringing something different to Dursley and also we are hoping it will encourage more foot-fair through the town."

Mayor of Dursley Jane Ball said Iceland was another step in the right direction for Dursley, which has recently seen the opening of a Sainsbury’s, and several independent businesses.

"Hopefully now shoppers will use the whole length of the street. Traders might be thinking that Dursley now looks like the place to be at the moment.

"If we could attract a women’s and gent’s clothing shop then that would really top it off."

The store has been completely refurbished and has created 24 new jobs for the town.

Store manager Martin Northcott said he is looking forward to working in Dursley.

He said: "We are really excited and positive and hope to be in the town for a long time to come."

For more reaction to Iceland opening in Dursley see next week's Gazette.