THE OPENING of a Marks & Spencer branch due to take place earlier this month has been delayed until 2018.

The new Simply Food store, which has created 42 new jobs, was due to open on 157 Wanstead High Street on Tuesday, October 10. The opening was delayed by construction issues.

A spokeswoman for M&S has now confirmed the opening will now not take place in 2017.

“Due to construction delays our new Wanstead store will now be opening in early 2018.

“We’d like to thank the community for their patience, we will provide a date for our opening as soon as we can.

“We’re working hard on the store and remain committed to bringing the very best of M&S to Wanstead.”

The branch will be located at 157 High Street, next to The George pub.