AN EMPTY former fruit and veg store in York is to reopen two months after its owner said trade in the neighbourhood was dying.

Gary Anderson will tomorrow open his doors to customers at the Front Street shop, in Acomb, and is confident his mix of friendly service and quality local produce will prove a success.

The Greengrocer closed in January after former owner, Mike Burbidge said internet shopping high rents and competition from supermarkets was killing off Front Street.

Mr Anderson, 47, of Riccall near Selby, said: “I have always worked for somebody else so this is an opportunity I decided to take. I’m looking forward to it because I had a bit of time out and had 13 years in a factory and the opportunity to go back to what I started out in is very appealing. Acomb is a bustling and thriving community and deserves a greengrocers which can provide value for money and a good service.”

When the shop closed in January it also saw eight members of staff lose their jobs. Mr Anderson said he intended to take on staff at his shop, Anderson’s of Acomb, and said there was no shortage of potential employees or customers.

He said: “I was in here the other day cleaning and I had lots of potential customers saying how they were looking forward to it opening and I have had a number of people looking in for work.”

Mr Anderson said he was also keen to hear from any local producers who can supply seasonal fruit and veg to the shop.

He said: “There are not that many people around advertising that they grow produce so I’m hoping people will contact me and we can take it from there. I’m looking for local growers and anything seasonal really.”