Recorder readers have given their views on the opening of a discount store in a popular shopping location.

Budget retailer One Beyond welcomed visitors from 10am on October 20 in Rom Valley Retail Park, Romford.

The store, created by the founders of Poundworld, a now-defunct chain of value shops that closed in 2018, has been praised for its range of goods.

Gem Philpot said: “I went there yesterday, and it's great,” she said. “Had loads of different stuff, lots of Halloween and Christmas decorations as well as household and other bits and bobs.”

Gem added that parking was very busy, but Rom Valley Way was a great place for One Beyond as an affordable option for the area.

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Another reader responding to our post said she hoped ex-Wilko employees would get a chance to work at the Romford One Beyond.

Romford’s Wilko in The Mercury Shopping centre closed on October 5.

“Its amazing that a brand-new shop can open and yet Wilko had to close,” Jean Morgan said. “[I] hope this new place employed some of those that lost their jobs.”

Jean added that she would take a look at One Beyond on her next shop.

Christopher Edwards, One Beyond founder and director, previously said: “We hope that our low prices will benefit the local community."

But Lorna Evans commented: "Is this all that Romford has to offer now? Yet another cheap pound place."

Kim Owen, another contributor, added that it would be difficult to get there by public transport.

“I won’t be dashing there anytime soon," she said.

Andrew Stokes agreed and said it was a poor choice of location, and the town centre would have been a better choice. 

But Jim Hopson said the location was good enough for variety store B&M and supermarket Aldi, adding that visitors get two hours' free parking.

Other punters were intrigued by the opening and said they would pay a visit.

“Might be worth a look,” said Rhonda Dupey May and Melanie Robertson added: “It’s so good we have one in Basildon - [I',m] always in there getting bargains.”