A CONTROVERSIAL new Sainsbury’s will open its doors for the first time on Friday (February 21).

The supermarket chain has converted The Lodge pub, on Newcastle Road, Crossgate Moor, Durham City, and the new “fresh Sainsbury’s Local”, the first of its kind in the North-East, will open at 9am on Friday.

Critics claimed the opening of a new store would increase congestion, noise and put the safety of children at nearby Durham Johnston School at risk.

The shop, which brings 20 full- and part-time jobs, will open daily from 7am to 11pm.

Sainsbury's is also looking to convert the former Burger King restaurant, on Durham's North Road, into a store.