In 1970 a modern and exciting new shopping development was about to open in Astley Bridge.

Asda, based in Leeds, built a prestigious new store, which opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, May 19, 1970, on the site of Hesketh’s Mill. Hesketh’s Mill had stood at the junction of Moss Bank Way/Crompton Way and Blackburn Road for the previous 100 years

Things were a little different back then from the 24-hour business it is now. The shop did not open until 10am and closed at 6pm, but for a “family shopping experience”, the store stayed open until 8pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and there was no Sunday opening at all.

A seven-page spread in the previous day’s Bolton Evening News had given the public some indication of what they could expect from the town’s first major large supermarket, which when it first opened sold tyres, wallpaper and paint as well as the more commonplace items we find in store today..

Since 1970, three other Asda stores have opened in the borough, one in Farnworth, one at Middlebrook and one at at Burnden Park. The Astley Bridge store has grown, having been completely refurbished a few years ago, and has become an established part of the community.