FRESH plans for Iceland to open inside The Range in Pitsea have been unveiled, in a welcome boost for shoppers in the area. 

Iceland and The Range have announced a new deal which will see customers offered their favourite Iceland products inside the store on Northlands Pavement, Pitsea. 

According to The Range website, the Iceland refit will officially open on Friday, September 16. 

It is unclear at this stage if the popular store will have to close for the refit, but residents on social media have welcomed the announcement with excitement. 

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Craig Rimmer, councillor response for the Pitsea south east ward and regeneration at Basildon Council, said it is wonderful news for Pitsea.

It will be the first time Iceland has had a presence of Pitsea.

He said: “It is fantastic to hear this.

“The Range itself is already a very popular additions in Pitsea, we often see queues outside of the shop before it even opens.

“So, I can only imagine this will increase the queue size even more.

“If the summers are also going to get as hot as they have been, we will need more frozen refreshments as well.

“I am sure residents will also be pleased as it gives them more options in terms of shopping, and Iceland always provide good bargains to be had, so plenty will be down there when it opens to fill up their freezers.”

There are more than 85 stores across the UK where customers can now purchase Iceland products at The Range stores, with Pitsea next on the list.

The Range also added: “We are continuing to add Iceland to more of our stores.”

Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Council, said it is a welcome boost.

He added: “It is a welcome boost for Pitsea and Basildon.

“It just goes to show how committed The Range are to Pitsea, since they took over from Morrisons.

“It is really gratifying to see their committed to providing residents with so much.

“I know it will be a welcome addition for residents especially those in Pitsea, as there is currently no Iceland in Pitsea.

“So, it is great.”

The Range and Iceland were both contacted for comment.