Opticians branch to double in size

AN opticians firm has announced plans for a £400,000 store expansion in Runcorn.

Specsavers said the Runcorn Shopping Centre branch will be doubled in size with an increase from five consulting rooms to nine.

A company spokeswoman said the project will allow for more services on behalf of the NHS to be offered to customers.

She said this means residents will not have to wait for GP or hospital appointments for these types of care.

The plans also include a consulting room for a sevendays-a-week hearing service, staffed by audiologists.

Specsavers said the revamped store is due to open in autumn.

Chris Graham, store director, said: “This expansion is a proud milestone for our team, and has only been made possible by the loyal support of the Runcorn community over the last 22 years.

“We are hugely excited about these development plans, which have seen us completely take over the unit adjacent to our store. “This investment represents our commitment to new and existing customers in the town and providing more accessible services than ever before.

“We are proud to take our clinical expertise a stage further and enhance the level of care we can offer people in Runcorn with the added benefit of helping to reduce the pressure on our local GP surgeries and other NHS services.

“We look forward to delivering the benefits of our expanded services later this year and welcoming even more customers through our doors.”